By Tarek Ramchani
The Estoril Circuit is playing host to the second round of the International GT Open this weekend. A single Audi R8 LMS ultra is entering the Portuguese event from local Team Novadriver.
Team Novadriver peformed really well in the qualifying session earlier today. The #19 Audi R8 LMS ultra in the hands of team-owner Cesar Campanico and Joel Camathies qualified in a strong third place for race 1.
The race started well for the Audi Sport customer racing team. Cesar Campanico had a strong start and opening stint holding third place and pushing back the assault from Ferrari 458 Italias.
At halfway mark the Audi had to come to pitlane for the mandatory pit-stop. Cesar Campanico jumped out from the Audi and Joel Camathias replaced him. The team was seeking a deserved podium finish, unfortunately bad luck hit the Novadriver squad. The #19 Audi stopped right after with technical issues hitting the R8 LMS ultra.
Up ahead it was an all Ferrari affair. The 458 Italia GT3 cars took all three top positions.
Team Novadriver will be back tomorrow for a second qualifying session followed by race 2. We wish the best of luck to the Portuguese team and their drivers.
Photo credit: Team Novadriver
