Spa Press Kit Gbr

8/6/2019 Spa Press Kit Gbr

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The ingredients of a foreseeable success

After the 2010 edition of the Total 24 Hours of Spa, which saw a magnificent battle between Porsche,Ferrari, Audi and BMW, the organisers of the classic Ardennes race only had one wish: to carry onwardsand upwards with the only 24hr race in the world reserved exclusively for GT cars. Three weeks prior to the63rd edition, things are looking good. The 2011 grid is without a doubt the most beautiful in the history ofthis international event. A real cocktail, the main ingredients of which are quantity and quality in equalmeasure.

SRO Motorsports Group and the RACB : union is strength

Its well known that together, we are stronger! The historical organiser of the Total 24 Hours of Spa, theRoyal Automobile Club of Belgium, could not better confirm its attachment to GT competition than byintensifying its collaboration with the SRO Motorsports Group, the company belonging to Stephane Ratel, aleading figure in GT racing and the creator of the GT3 category and the new Blancpain Endurance Series.

In the Rue dArlon, they are congratulating themselves of this increased partnership with the SROMotorsports Group, whose expertise at this level no longer needs to be proved. In the world of GT racing,Stepane Ratel is simply an unavoidable figure, explains Frdric Maeyens, General Manager of the RACB

and its affiliates. The added participation of SRO Motorsport Group in the organisation of the Total 24 Hoursof Spa is the first step of a process which has already begun with the opening of a subsidiary in ourpremises. The future of our 24-hour race is in good hands, and the RACB can only congratulate itself of thisomnipresence of SRO Motorsport Group at its side.

Along the way, the Total 24 Hours of Spa has become one of the most prestigious events on the endurancescene, comments Stephane Ratel, Chairman of SRO Motorsport Group. This is a tendency that has beenconfirmed more than ever this year, as the 2011 edition of this race looks like it will be simply explosive! It isthen with pleasure and great honour that the collaboration with the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium hasincreased strongly.


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The appropriate regulations confirmed well in advance

Announcing in September 2010 a move towards making the race exclusively for GT3 and GT4 cars, theorganisers of the Total 24 Hours of Spa have not only drawn conclusions from the last edition, but also andespecially listened to the demands of the teams and the drivers involved in the these extremely successfulcategories, whether on the national or international scene.

The correct formula was to privilege the GT3 and GT4s, says Jean-Franois Chaumont, Director of theTotal 24 Hours of Spa. A judicious decision that attracted many leading teams, now satisfied to be able to

claim the overall title. We can now confirm it: the public will be attending an explosive edition of the 24 hourrace in the Ardennes. This 63rd edition of the Total 24 Hours of Spa will offer a truly spectacular battle, andwe will get a first taste of what is to come during the official test day.

The Total 24 Hours of Spa, highlight of the Blancpain Endurance Series

Another indisputable key point of the Total 24 Hours of Spa 2011 is its return as the highlight of asuccessful international competition series. Last winter, SRO Motorsport Group launched the basis of anew success story, called the Blancpain Endurance Series, whose regulation is identical to the 24 hours,exclusively for the GT3 and GT4 categories.

Directly inspired by the spirit of the Total 24 Hours of Spa, the Blancpain Endurance Series has similarsporting and technical regulations, but also similar procedures, summarises Stephane Ratel. Thiscompetition has five events, with the Total 24 Hours of Spa at its summit. The sporting format, whichconsists of three-hour races, is a true return to the roots of GT racing. The 2011 calendar groupsprestigious circuits like Monza, Magny Cours, Silverstone and Navarra. It was created so as not to interferewith the national calendars, or the FIA GT3 European Championship. Being open uniquely to GT3 and GT4cars is a key argument in the Blancpain Endurance Series. The basis of the series is the balance ofperformance between the cars. The teams strategy is therefore key, and as for the drivers, the level is ashigh as it can be.

Fought on the circuits of Monza and Navarra, the first two meetings of the Blancpain Endurance Series

2011 confirmed the well founded reasoning of the SRO Motorsports Group. A grid where quantity andquality are fighting for the headlines, a great variety of brands being represented, exciting races with manyrebounds; the first victories were claimed by Porsche and Ferrari, but the others are far from giving up. Nowheading to Spa-Francorchamps, before the last two meetings of this first season, in Magny Cours andSilverstone, where they will go back to racing over three hours once more.


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World-Class partners, an exceptional media coverage

If the entry list of the Total 24 Hours of Spa, highlight of the Blancpain Endurance Series, is impressive, thesporting success, and the public image ever reinforced of the Ardennes classic, allows more than ever tofind its traditional level, its prestige of yesteryear.

Collaborating closely with SRO Motorsports Group, everything has been put into place so that these 24Hours will exceed the stage of a simple endurance race. We will see a true event, whether on the track oroff it, rejoices Jean-Franois Chaumont, Director of the Total 24 Hours of Spa. This success is seennotably in the exceptional dynamism of our partners for this 63rd edition. Alongside Total, major sponsor ofthe 24 Hours, and Blancpain, which has given its name to this new successful series, we are also proud tocount alongside us companies such as Securitas, whose involvement is impressive, Audi, Saab who will

once more furnish the cabriolets for the driver presentation to the public Michelin, media Markt, GaleriaInno, Hexis, Estat of Art, without forgetting our media partners RTL and VTM. And, for the first time, VTM,leading channel of Dutch audiovisual media in Belgium, will offer various live coverage slots on Saturdayand Sunday, not forgetting to feature the 24 Total 24 Hours of Spa in all its news bulletins from the Friday.A great additional asset which will without a doubt see the 24 Hours being prophets in their own land. Andas the Blancpain Endurance Series also features plenty of live TV coverage, namely on Motors TV, thebest is yet to come


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Round 3: Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium

History in the Making

The historic 24 Hours of Spa is one of theworlds longest running endurance events,tracing its roots back to the first race held in theArdennes in 1924. This year the Total 24 Hoursof Spa is the Blue Riband event for the worldsnewest international GT series, the BlancpainEndurance Series. While this will only be thethird race in the Blancpain Endurance Series,the races held in Monza (Italy) and Navarra(Spain) have shown that the new series has thepotential to become one of the best in theworld.

Round 1: Monza

In April Monza hosted the first ever Blancpain Endurance Series race and fittingly it was the Italian teamAutOrlando Sport and Italian driver Paolo Rubeti who took the chequered flag to record the first everBlancpain Endurance Series win in a Porsche 997 GT3 R. Ruberti was joined by Gianluca Roda andRaffaele Gianmaria on the top step of the podium. The second placed car was the nr32 Belgian Audi ClubAudi R8 LMS of Stephane Ortelli, Bert Longin and Filipe Albuquerqe, which finished 58 second behind thePorsche but led the race before it had to pit for a splash and dash pitstop 10 laps from home. An earlypuncture also delayed the Audi, but they fought back to claim a podium place in the first race of the season.The Marc VDS Ford GT of Bas Leinders, Maxime Martin and Markus Palttala was third.

The class winners were Marc A Hayek and Peter Kox in the Blancpain-Reiter Lamborghini (GT3 Pro-AmCup), with Hayek bringing the car home in 4th overall. Georges Cabannes and Gregory Guilvert were theGT3 Gentlemen Cup winners in the Ruffier Racing Lamborghini Gallardo and the GT4 Cup was won by theLotus Italia team with Edoardo Piscopo, Leo Mansell and Greg Mansell holding off the challenge of the RJNMotorsport Nissan to claim the first GT4 Class win of the new series.

Round 2: Navarra

One month later the Blancpain Endurance Series travelled to Spain and to prove that the action packedentertainment of the first event wasnt a one off, the second 3-hour race of the 2011 season was just asexciting.


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The nr1 Vita4One Ferrari 458 of Michael Bartels, Frank Kechele and Nico Verdonck took their first victory inthe Blancpain Endurance Series, finishing 17 seconds ahead of the Belgian Audi Club Audi R8 LMS ofStephane Ortelli, Bert Longin and Filipe Alburquerqe. Ortelli, starting from Pole Position held the lead untilKechele went ahead of the Belgian driver on lap 17. The Vita4One Ferrari then set the pace for the rest ofthe race with reigning FIA GT! World Champion Michael Bartels taking the chequered flag. Round 1winners Gianluca Roda, Raffaele Gianmaria and Paolo Ruberti taking the final podium place in theAutOrlando Porsche 997 GT3 R to maintain their championship lead after two races.

The Pro-Am Cup Class was won by the nr20 SOFREV Auto Sport Promotion Ferrrari 458 Italia of LudovicBadey, Franck Morel and Jean-Luc Beaubelique. Morel led the race until the final pitstops, withBeaubelique taking the chequered flag in 5th overall one lap behind the leading four Pro Cup class cars.The GT3 Gentlemen Trophy was won by Round 1 winner George Cabannes in the nr31 Ruffier Racing

Lamborghini, with Cabennes being joined by rally driver Fabien Michal, who was taking part in his very firstcircuit race.

The GT4 Cup went to the nr61 Lotus Driving Academy Lotus Evora of Freddy Barth, Rolf Maritz and LorenzFrey after the leading Lotus Italia Evora of Greg Mansell retired with gearbox failure. The GT3 Cup DeLorenzi Racing Porsche 997 GT3 of Luigi Emiliani, Sergio Negroni and Marco Cassera struggled to reachthe chequered flag after the gearbox lost 5th and 6th gears but the Italian's crossed the line to lift the GT3Cup Trophy.


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Series Points after Round 2

GT3 PRO CUP

1 Paolo Ruberti ITA 40

ex Gianluca Roda ITA 40

ex Raffaele Gianmaria ITA 40

2 Bert Longin BEL 36

ex Stephane Ortelli MCO 36

ex Filipe Albuquerqe PRT 36

3 Frank Kechele DEU 25

ex Michael Bartels DEU 25

ex Nico Verdonck BEL 25

GT3 PRO-AM CUP

1 Gianluca de Lorenzi ITA 30

ex Alessandro Bonetti ITA 30

ex Stefano Borgi ITA 30

2 Niek Hommerson NLD 26

ex Louis Machiels BEL 26

ex Paul van Splunteren NLD 26

3 Marc A Hayek CHE 25

ex Peter Kox NLD 25

ex Franck Morel FRA 25

ex Jean-Luc Beaubelique FRA 25

ex Ludovic Badey FRA 25

GT3 GENTLEMEN TROPHY

1 Georges Cabannes FRA 50

2 Giorgio Piodi ITA 33

ex Stefano Bianconi ITA 33

2 Gregory Guilvert FRA 25

ex Fabien Michal FRA 25

3 Sergio Negroni ITA 25ex Luigi Emiliani ITA 25

ex Marco Cassera ITA 25

GT4 CUP

1 Edoardo Piscopo ITA 40

ex Greg Mansell GBR 40

ex Leo Mansell GBR 40

2 Lorenz Frey CHE 33

ex Rolf Maritz CHE 33

ex Fredy Barth CHE 333 Jordan Tresson FRA 30

ex Christopher Ward GBR 30

ex Alex Buncombe GBR 30


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The Total 24 Hours of Spa

The 2011 Total 24 Hours of Spa will be the third round of the Blancpain Endurance Series. Over 60 carsare expected to line up on the grid for the 63 rd running of the event that was first staged in 1924. While GT3cars have been competed at the 24 Hours of Spa in recent years 2011 will be the first time that GT3 hasbeen the main class and teams and drivers running GT3 spec cars will be fighting for overall honours forthe first time at this historic event held at the world famous Spa-Francorchamps circuit in the magnificentsetting of the Ardennes forest.

As well are the standard Blancpain Endurance Series rules, there are several specific conditions in thesporting regulations for this event compared to the other 3-hour races.

PointsThe race will be considered as a single event during which intermediate classifications will be drawn upafter 6 and 12 hours of racing at which time points will be awarded according to the following table. Onlythe classification at the end of the 24 Hours is considered as the official result of the event.

The points in the intermediate classifications after 6 and 12 hours will be awarded equally to the car and toall the drivers in the crew, whatever their driving time.

DriversThroughout the event, no fewer than three drivers and no more than four drivers may drive one and thesame car. The maximum continuous driving time per driver is three hours, after this period a minimum one

hours rest is required. No driver can drive more than 14 hours in total.

Driver classifications for the GT3 Pro-Am Cup, GT3 Gentleman Cup and the GT4 Cup have been altered toaccommodate four drivers in each class. In the Pro-Am Cup two bronze drivers can race with either - twoPlatinum, a Platinum and a Gold driver or two Gold drivers. Alternatively there can be three silver and onebronze driver sharing a GT3 Pro-Am Cup car.

In the GT3 Gentleman Trophy teams can choose to have either two silver and two bronze or one silver andthree bronze drivers in their car. In the GT4 Cup the driver classifications are the same as the GT3 Pro-AmCup. There are no driver classifications in the GT3 Pro Cup.


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The Blancpain Endurance Series

Three-hour races, with all the excitement of pit stops, driver changes, multiple classes and non-stopovertaking. The magical formula that made the FIA GT Championship such a success with teams, driversand the media alike is back. 2011 will see the rebirth of the endurance format for GT cars with the brand-new Blancpain Endurance Series.

Reserved for GT3 and GT4 cars, which have already made their mark in long-distance races, withouthaving a specific arena to test their skills, the new series will be centred around GT racings showcaseevent, the Total 24 Hours of Spa. The remaining three-hour events will take place at high-powered Monza,in Italy, Spains newest circuit of Navarra, Frances popular and classic Magny Cours, and the home ofBritish racing, Silverstone.

With the three-driver line-up so popular with teams and gentlemen drivers, no driver classification in the topclass, and a three-step qualifying system inspired from Formula One, the new series aims to give teamsdrivers everything they want in a friendly yet professional atmosphere, with live TV production at everyround.Promoted by SRO Motorsports Group, the company which was behind the rebirth of GT racing and withoutwhom the GT3 and GT4 categories would not exist, the Blancpain Endurance Series will be aninternational GT series run under the aegis of the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium, and recognised bythe FIA. It takes its name from a much-valued partnership with the prestigious Swiss watch manufacturerBlancpain.


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HISTORIC 24 HOURS OF SPA

The 2011 edition of the 24 Hours of Spa will be the 63 rd running of the endurance event which has a historythat stretches back to 1924. The 24-hour event was created by the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium asthe Endurance Grand Prix and over the years has become one of the greatest races on the internationalmotorsport calendar with a prestigious roll of honour.

The first event in 1924, just one year after the first 24 Hours race at Le Mans, was held on a 15km circuit onpublic roads between the towns of Francorchamps, Malmedy and Stavelot. The race was won by French

drivers Henri Springuel and Maurice Becquet in the French made Bignan 2L with an average speed of78.3kph and covering a distance of 1879km. The race was held continuously for the next 10 years until1933, with victories for Chenard-Walcker (1925), Peugeot (1926), Excelsior (1927) and Mercedes-Benz(1931) but it was Alfa Romeo which dominated the pre war years with six wins between 1928 and 1933 andthen wins in the only two further Spa 24 Hour races to be held prior to the Second World War in 1936 and1938.

The first race to be held in the post war period was in 1948 and it was an all British affair as St JohnHorsfall and Leslie Johnson swept to victory in their Aston Martin Two Litre Sports. In 1949 Ferrari tooktheir first Spa 24 Hour win when Luigi Chinetti (I) and Jean Lucas (F) took the chequered flag in theirFerrari 166 S.

A four year break until the next running of the 24 Hours of Spa and in 1953 Ferrari were back on the topstep of the podium as Mike Hawthorn (GB) and Guiseppe Farina (I) took the win in the Ferrari 375MM.

In 1964, the 24 Hours of Spa were reborn and dedicated to Touring cars, and the event has been heldevery year since. The 1964 race was fittingly won by the Belgian duo Robert Crevits and Gustave Gosselinin a Mercedes Benz 300SE. In 1965 Pascal Ickx and Gerard Langlois won in a BMW 1800, the first of 21victories for the German manufacturer, by far the most successful manufacturer in the history of the 24Hours of Spa.

Ford, Porsche, Jaguar, Mazda, Mercedes, Nissan and Peugeot also took advantage of the various touringcar regulations, and shared the victories up until 2000.

In 2001 the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium decided on a new challenge and the 24 Hours of Spabecame the ultimate challenge for Grand Touring cars and the Blue Riband event for the FIA GTChampionship. From 2001 until 2009 the honour roll of the 24 Hours gained new names with the successfor Chrysler as well as Porsche, Ferrari, Maserati and Corvette. With the FIA GT Championship evolvinginto the GT1 World Championship the GT2, GT3 and GT4 became the new stars in 2010 and in a furtherevolution the spotlight is now placed on the GT3 and GT4 categories for the 63 rd edition of the Total 24Hours of Spa this July.


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Spa 24 Hours Results 1924 2010

1924 Henri SPRINGUEL / Maurice BECQUET F Bignan1925 Andr LAGACHE / Ren LEONARD F Chenard-Walcker

1926 Andr BOILLOT / Louis RIGAL F Peugeot

1927 Robert SENECHAL / Nicolas CAERELS F / B Excelsior

1928 Boris IVANOWSKI / Attilio MARINONI RUS / I Alfa Romeo

1929 Robert BENOIST / Attilio MARINONI F / I Alfa Romeo

1930 Attilio MARINONI / Pietro GHERSI I Alfa Romeo

1931 Dimitri DJORDJADZE / Geffredo ZEHENDER RUS / I Mercedes-Benz

1932 Antonio BRIVIO / Eugenio SIENA I Alfa Romeo

1933 Louis CHIRON / Luigi CHINETTI F / I Alfa Romeo

1936 Francesco SEVERI / Raymond SOMMER I / F Alfa Romeo

1938 Carlo PINTACUDA / Francesco SEVERI I Alfa Romeo

1948 St John HORSFALL / Leslie JOHNSON GB Aston Martin

1949 Luigi CHINETTI / Jean LUCAS I / F Ferrari

1953 Giuseppe FARINA / Mike HAWTHORN I / GB Ferrari 375 MM

1964 Robert CREVITS / Gustave GOSSELIN B Mercedes Benz 300SE

1965 Pascal ICKX / Grard LANGLOIS B BMW 18001966 Hubert HAHNE / Jacky ICKX D / B BMW 2000 ti

1967 Jean-Pierre GABAN / PEDRO B Porsche 911

1968 Erwin KREMER / Willi KAUSHEN / Helmut KELLENERS D Porsche 911

1969 Guy CHASSEUIL / Claude BALLOT-LENA F Porsche 911

1970 Gunther HUBER / Helmut KELLENERS D BMW 2800CS

1971 Dieter GLEMSER / Alex SOILER-ROIG D / E Ford Capri RS

1972 Jochen MASS / Hans-Joachim STUCK D Ford Capri RS 2600

1973 Toine HEZEMANS / Dieter QUESTER NL / D BMW 3.0 CSL

1974 Jean XHENCEVAL/ Alain PELTIER B BMW 3.0 CSI

1975 Jean XHENCEVAL / Hugues de FIERLANDT B BMW 3.0 CSI

1976 Jean-Marie DETRIN / Nino DEMUTH / CHAVAN B / L / B BMW 3.0 CSL

1977 Eddy JOOSEN / Jean-Claude ANDRUET B / F BMW 530 IUS

1978 Gordon SPICE / Teddy PILETTE GB / B Ford Capri

1979 Jean-Michel MARTIN / Philippe MARTIN B Ford Capri

1980 Jean-Michel MARTIN / Philippe MARTIN B Ford Capri

1981 Tom WALKINSHAW / Pierre DIEUDONNE GB / B Mazda RX-71982 Hans HEYER / Armin HAHNE / Eddy JOOSEN D / D / B BMW 528i

1983 Thierry TASSIN / Hans HEYER / Armin HAHNE B / D / D BMW 635 CSI

1984 Tom WALKINSHAW / Hans HEYER / Win PERCY GB / D / GB Jaguar XJS

1985 Roberto RAVAGLIA / Gerhard BERGER / Marc SURER I / A / CH BMW 635 CSI

1986 Dieter QUESTER / Thierry TASSIN / Altfrid HEGER D / B / D BMW 635 CSI

1987 Jean-Michel MARTIN / Didier THEYS / Eric VAN DE POELE B BMW M3

1988 Altfrid HEGER / Dieter QUESTER / Roberto RAVAGLIA D / D / I BMW M3

1989 Gianfranco BRANCATELLI / Win PERCY / Bernd SCHNEIDER I / GB / D Ford Sierra Cosworth

1990 Fabien GIROIX / Johnny CECOTTO / Markus OESTREICH F / VE / D BMW M3

1991 Anders OLOFFSON / David BRABHAM / Naoki HATTORI S / AUS / J Nissan Skyline GT-R

1992 Steve SOPER / Jean-Michel MARTIN / Christ ian DANNER GB / B / D BMW M3

1993 Christian FITTIPALDI / Uwe ALZEN / Jean-Pierre JARIER BR / D / F Porsche 911 RSR

1994 Roberto RAVAGLIA / Thierry TASSIN / Alexander BURGSTALLER I / B / D BMW 318i

1995 Joachim WINKELHOCK / Steve SOPER / Peter KOX D / GB / NL BMW 320i

1996 Jrg MULLER / Thierry TASSIN / Alexander BURGSTALLER D / B / D BMW 320i

1997 Didier de RADIGUES / Marc DUEZ / Eric HELARY B / B / F BMW 320i1998 Marc DUEZ / Eric VAN DE POELE / Alain CUDINI B / B / F BMW 318i

1999 Frdric BOUVY / Emmanuel COLLARD / Anthony BELTOISE B / F / F Peugeot 306 GTI

2000 Frdric BOUVY / Kurt MOLLEKENS / Didier DEFOURNY B Peugeot 306 GTI

2001 Christophe BOUCHUT / Jean-Philippe BELOC / Marc DUEZ F / F / B Chrysler Viper GTS-R

2002 Christophe BOUCHUT / David TERRIEN / Vincent VOSSE F / F / B Chrysler Viper

2003 Stphane ORTELLI / Marc LIEB / Romain DUMAS MC / D / F Porsche 996 GT3-RS

2004 Luca CAPPELLARI / Fabrizio GOLLIN/ Lilian BRYNER/ Enzo CALDERARI I / I/ CH / CH Ferrari 550 Maranello

2005 Michael BARTELS / Timo SCHEIDER / Eric VAN DE POELE D / D / B Maserati MC12

2006 Eric VAN DE POELE / Michael BARTELS / Andrea BERTOLINI B / D / I Maserati MC12

2007 Jean-Denis DELETRAZ/Mike HEZEMANS/Fabrizio GOLLIN/Marcel FASSLER CH/NL/I/CH Corvette C6R

2008 Mich. BARTELS/Andrea BERTOLINI/Stph. SARRAZIN/Eric VAN DE POELE D / I / F / B Maserati MC12

2009 Mike HEZEMANS / Antony KUMPEN / Jos MENTEN / Kurt MOLLEKENS NL/B/NL/B Corvette Z06

2010 Romain DUMAS / Jrg BERGMEISTER / Mar.RAGGINGER / Wolf HENZEL F / D / A / D Porsche 997 RSR


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Record of wins:

Eric VAN DE POELE (B) 5 wins 1987 1998 2005 2006 2008

Jean-Michel MARTIN (B) 4 wins 1979 1980 1987 1992

Thierry TASSIN (B) 4 wins 1983 1986 1994 1996

Marc DUEZ (B) 3 wins 1997 1998 2001

Hans HEYER (D) 3 wins (hat trick) 1982 1983 1984

Attilio MARINONI (I) 3 wins (hat trick) 1928 1929 1930

Dieter QUESTER (A) 3 wins 1973 1986 1988

Roberto RAVAGLIA (I) 3 wins 1985 1988 1994

Michael BARTELS (D) 3 wins 2005 2006 2008

Andrea BERTOLINI (I) 2 wins 2006 2008

Christophe BOUCHUT (F) 2 wins 2001 2002

Frdric BOUVY (B) 2 wins 1999 2000

Alexander BURGSTALLER (D) 2 wins 1994 1996

Romain DUMAS (F) 2 wins 2003 - 2010Fabrizio GOLLIN (I) 2 wins 2004 2007

Armin HAHNE (D) 2 wins 1982 1983

Altfrid HEGER (D) 2 wins 1986 1988

Mike HEZEMANS (NL) 2 wins 2007 2008

Eddy JOOSEN (B) 2 wins 1977 1982

Helmut KELLENERS (D) 2 wins 1968 1970

Philippe MARTIN (B) 2 wins 1979 1980

Kurt MOLLEKENS (B) 2 wins 2000 2009

Win PERCY (GB) 2 wins 1984 1989

Tom WALKINSHAW (GB) 2 wins 1981 1984

Jean XHENCEVAL (B) 2 wins 1974 1975

Wins by make:

BMW (21) 1965 -66 -70 -73 -74 -75 -76 -77 -82 -84 - 86 -87 -88 -89 -90 -92 -94 -95 -96 -97 -98

Alfa Romeo (7) 1928 1929 1930 1932 1933 1936 1938

Ford (6) 1971 1972 1978 1979 1980 1989

Porsche (6) 1967 1968 1969 1993 2003 - 2010

Ferrari (3) 1949 1953 2004

Maserati (3) 2005 2006 2008

Peugeot (3) 1926 1999 2000

Chrysler (2) 2001 2002

Corvette (2) 2007 2009

Mercedes (2) 1931 1964Aston Martin (1) 1948

Bignan (1) 1924

Bugatti (1) 1934

Chenard-Walcker (1) 1925

Excelsior (1) 1927

Jaguar (1) 1984

Mazda (1) 1981

Nissan (1) 1991


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Provisional Entry List

# TEAM NAT DRIVER 1 NAT DRIVER 2 NAT DRIVER 3 NAT DRIVER 4 NAT CAR CAT

1 1 Vita4One DEU Michael Bartels DEU Frank Kechele DEU Nico Verdonck BEL - - Ferrari 458 Italia PRO-CUP

2 3 Hexis AMR FRA Pierre Brice Mena FRA Julien Rodrigues FRA Yann Clairay FRA - - Aston Martin DBRS 9 PRO-CUP

3 4 Hexis AMR FRA Henri Moser CHE Stef Dusseldorp DEU Frdric Makowiecki FRA - - Aston Martin DBRS 9 PRO-CUP

4 9 AutOrlando Sport ITA Paolo Ruberti ITA Gianluca Roda ITA Raffaele Giammaria ITA - - Porsche 997 GT3 R PRO-CUP

5 10 SOFREV Auto Sport Promotion FRA Patrice Goueslard FRA Olivier Pla FRA Julien Jousse FRA - - Ferrari 458 Italia PRO-CUP

6 15 KRK Racing NDL Mike Hezemans NDL Anthony Kumpen BEL Koen Wauters NDL - - Mercedes SLS AMG PRO-CUP

7 25 Blancpain-Reiter DEU Eugenio Amos CAN Nikolaus Meyr-Melnhof AUTAlbert von Thurn und

TaxisDEU - - Lamborghini LP600 PRO-CUP

8 32 Audi Sport Team WRT BEL Bert Longin BEL Filipe Albuquerque POR Stphane Ortelli FRA - - Audi R8 LMS PRO-CUP

9 33 Audi Sport Team WRT BEL Greg Franchi BEL Timo Scheider DEU Mattias Ekstrm DEU - - Audi R8 LMS PRO-CUP

10 35 Black Falcon DEU Kenneth Heyer DEU Thomas Jger DEU Stphane Lemeret BEL - - Mercedes SLS AMG PRO CUP

11 40 Marc VDS Racing Team BEL Markus Palttala FIN Maxime Martin BEL Bas Leinders BEL - - BMW Z4 PRO-CUP

12 41 Marc VDS Racing Team BEL Marc Hennerici DEU Antoine Leclerc FRA TBA - - Ford GT PRO-CUP

13 59CRS Racing GBR Andrew Kirkaldy GBR Oliver Turvey GBR Alvaro Parente POR - - McLaren GT PRO CUP

14 TBC Prospeed Competition BEL Paul van Splunteren NDL Marc Goossens BEL Maxime Soulet BEL - - Porsche 997 GT3 R PRO-CUP

15 TBC Prospeed Competition BEL TBA TBA TBA - - Porsche 997 GT3 R PRO-CUP

16 76Need For Speed By Schubert

MotorsportDEU Patrick Sder lund

SWE

Edward Sandstrm SWE TBA - - BMW Z4 PRO-CUP

17 98 Audi Sport Team Phoenix DEU Marcel Fssler CHE Andrea Piccini ITA Mike Rockenfeller DEU - - Audi R8 LMS PRO-CUP

18 99 Audi Sport Team Phoenix DEU Marc Basseng DEU Christopher Haase DEU Frank Stippler DEU - - Audi R8 LMS PRO-CUP

19 8 GPR AMR BEL Eddy Renard BEL Ludovic Sougnez BEL Jonathan Hirschi CHE TBA Aston Martin DBRS 9 PRO-AM CUP

20 2 Vita4One DEU Niek Hommerson NDL Louis Machiels BEL TBA TBA Ferrari 458 Italia PRO-AM CUP

21 6 Rhino's Leipert Motorsport DEU Ricardo Bravo POR Lourenco Beirao da Veiga POR Duarte Felix da Costa POR - - Lamborghini LP600 PRO-AM CUP

22 7 Rhino's Leipert Motorsport DEU Olivier Tielemans NDL Mika Vahamaki FIN Dennis Vollmair DEU TBA Lamborghini LP600 PRO-AM CUP

23 11 United Autosport USA Mark Blundell GBR Mark Patterson RSA Eddie cheever USA Matthew Bell GBR Audi R8 LMS PRO-AM CUP

24 12 United Autosport USA Arie Luyendyk NDL Alan Li HK Richard Meins GBR Henri Richard GBR Audi R8 LMS PRO-AM CUP

25 16 KRK Racing NDL TBA TBA TBA - - Mercedes SLS AMG PRO-AM CUP

26 18 De Lorenzi Racing ITA Gianluca De Lorenzi ITA Alessandro Bonetti ITA Stefano Borghi ITA TBA Porsche 997 GT3 R PRO-AM CUP

27 20 SOFREV Auto Sport Promotion FRA Franck Morel FRA Jean-Luc Beaubelique FRA Ludovic Badey FRA Guillaume Moreau FRA Ferrari 458 Italia PRO-AM CUP

28 23 United Autosport USA Zakary Brown USA Richard Dean GBR Johnny Herbert GBR Stefan Johansson SWE Audi R8 LMS PRO-AM CUP

29 24 Blancpain-Reiter DEU Marc A. Hayek CHE Peter Kox NDL TBA Lamborghini LP600 PRO-AM CUP

30 29 Vita4One DEU TBA TBA TBA Ferrari 458 Italia PRO-AM CUP

31 38 Black Falcon DEU Andrii Lebed UKR Bret Curtis USA Peter Van der Kolk NDL Jeroen van der Heuvel NDL Mercedes SLS AMG PRO-AM CUP

32 42 Sport Garage FRA Eric Cayrolle FRA Christophe Jouet FRA Michal Petit FRA TBA Ferrari 430 Scuderia PRO-AM CUP

33 43 Faster Racing by DB Motorsport NDL Jeroen der Boer NDL Simon Knap NDL TBA BMW Z4 PRO-AM CUP

34 44 Faster Racing by DB Motorsport NDL Hoevert Vos NDL Harrte Kolen NDL Nick Catsburg NDL BMW Z4 PRO-AM CUP

35 45 Gulf Team First UAE Andrea Barlesi BEL Jean-Pierre Valentini FRA Roald Goethe DEU Fabien Giroix FRALamborghini Gallardo

LP600PRO-AM CUP

36 50 AF Corse ITA Jack Gerber RSA Matt Griffin IRL Nikki Cadei ITA Marco Cioci ITA Ferrari 458 Italia PRO-AM CUP

37 51 AF Corse ITA Yannick Mallegol FRA Jean-Marc Bachelier FRA TBA Ferrari 458 Italia PRO-AM CUP

38 52 AF Corse ITA TBA TBA TBA Ferrari 458 Italia PRO-AM CUP

39 54 Graff Racing FRA Olivier Panis FRA Eric Debard FRA Grgoire Demoustier FRA Nicolas Lapierre FRA Mercedes SLS AMG PRO-AM CUP


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Provisional Entry List

# TEAM NAT DRIVER 1 NAT DRIVER 2 NAT DRIVER 3 NAT DRIVER 4 NAT CAR CAT

40 55 Graff Racing FRA Philippe Haezebrouck FRA Philippe Bougois FRA Gilles Challandon FRA TBA Mercedes SLS AMG PRO-AM CUP

41 77Need For Speed By Schubert

MotorsportDEU TBA TBA TBA BMW Z4 PRO-AM CUP

42 86 Alpina DEU TBA TBA TBA TBA Alpina B6 PRO-AM CUP

43 90 Team Preci Spark GBR David Jones GBR Godfrey Jones GBR Mike Jordan GBR - - Mercedes SLS AMG PRO-AM CUP

44 92 Marc VDS Racing Team BEL Marc Duez BEL Jean-Michel Martin BEL Eric Bachelart BEL TBA Ford Mustang FR500 PRO-AM CUP

45 93JMB Racing FRA TBA TBA TBA

TBAFerrari 458 Italia

PRO-AM CUP

46 94 Delahaye Racing BEL Frederic Bouvy BEL Damien Coens BEL Christian Kelders BEL Jean-Luc Blanchemain BEL Corvette Z06 GT3 PRO-AM CUP

47 95 Ecurie Ecosse GBR Oliver Bryant GBR Andrew Smith SCO Alasdair McCaig GBR Joe Twyman GBR Aston Martin DBRS 9 PRO-AM CUP

48 122 Mhlner Motorsport BEL TBA TBA TBA Porsche 997 GT3 R PRO-AM CUP

49 123 Mhlner Motorsport BEL Armand Flumal BEL TBA TBA Porsche 997 GT3 R PRO-AM CUP

50 888 Haribo Team Manthey DEU Richard Westbrook GBR Christian Menzel DEU Mike Stursberg DEU Hans Guido Riegel DEU Porsche 997 GT3 R PRO-AM CUP

51 19 Level Racing BEL Brody BEL Christophe Corten BEL Joe Schmitz LUX TBA Porsche 997 GT3 Cup S GENTLEMEN TROPHY

52 22 Sport Garage FRA Philip Shearer FRA Amandine Foulard FRA Lionel Comole FRA Ferrari 430 Scuderia GENTLEMEN TROPHY

53 78 JRT / GPR AMR BEL Pierre Grivegnee BEL TBA TBA TBA Aston Martin DBRS 9 GENTLEMEN TROPHY

54 82 GCR FRA Dominique Nury FRA Bernard Salam FRA Jean-Marc Merlin FRA Guy Clairay FRA Dodge Viper GT3 GENTLEMEN TROPHY

55 116 Signa Motorsport BEL Patrick Chaillet BELThierry de Latre du

BosqueauBEL Pierre Yves Rosoux BEL Dodge Viper GT3 GENTLEMEN TROPHY

56 85 VDS Aventures BEL Raphal van der Starten BEL Jos Close BEL Julien Schroyen BEL Benjamin Bailly BEL Ford Mustang FR500 GENTLEMEN TROPHY

57 36 De Lorenzi Racing ITA Sergio Negroni ITA Crotti ITA Fecchio ITA Giorgio Piodi TBA Porsche 997 GT3 Cup CUP

58 56 RMS FRA Marc FaggionatoMCO

Thierry Prignaud FRA Thierry Stepec FRA Franck Racinet FRA Porsche 997 GT3 Cup CUP

59 57 RMS FRA Manuel Nicoladis CHE Fabio Spirgi CHE Richard Feller CHE Olivier Baron FRA Porsche 997 GT3 Cup CUP

60 161 Freeman Gepa 161 BEL Pascal Muller FRA Patrick Gelad BEL Didier Grandjean BEL Dominique Sandona BEL Porsche 997 GT3 Cup CUP

61 61 Lotus Driving Academy AUT TBA TBA TBA TBa Lotus Evora GT4 GT4

62 63 RJN Motorsport GBR Jordan Tresson FRA Christopher Ward GBR Alex Buncombe GBR Nissan 370Z GT4

63 70 Lotus Sport Italia ITA Edoardo Piscopo ITA Leo Mansell IOM Greg Mansell IOM Gianni Giudici ITA Lotus Evora GT4 GT4

64 100 DVB Racing BEL Christophe Legrand BEL TBA TBA TBA BMW M3 GT4

65 103 Speed Lover BEL TBA TBA TBA TBA Porsche 997 GT4 GT4

66 104 Speed Lover BEL TBA TBA TBA TBA Porsche 997 GT4 GT4

67 27Horn Motorsport DEU TBA TBA TBA

TBAMercedes SLS AMG

TBC

68 30Vita4one DEU TBA TBA TBA TBA Ferrari 458 Italia TBC

69 58CRS Racing GBR Glynn Geddie GBR Adam Christodoulou Phil Quaife GBR TBA McLaren GT TBC

70 60CRS Racing GBR TBA TBA

TBA TBA McLaren GT TBC


14/25

Entertainment galore for all agesBob Sinclar on top of the bill !

An event with a very marked popular nature, the Total 24 Hours of Spa Blancpain Endurance Series -get off to its traditional start on the Wednesday afternoon with a huge event in the heart of Spa, with thecars and drivers. Encounters, autograph sessions, interviews and especially the return of the cars to thetrack on the main road. It is, quite simply, unmissable.

More than ever, the party is in full swing this year, whether on the track or off. And its not without somepride that the RACB and SRO Motorsports Group have organised a concert that has everyone talking: oneof the most well known DJs on the planet, Bob Sinclar!

Sweeping the awards and imposing himself as one of the biggest disk sellers, Bob Sinclar features in theinternational pop charts alongside acts such as Sean Paul, Shaggy, and others. Winning at the NRJ MusicAwards in 2007 (best DJ) and in the World Music Awards in 2006 (best DJ) amongst others his albumsand remixes go gold or platinum. As for his agenda, it is always full, with events in France, England, Italyand Slovakia, the Czech Republic and the Statesand that is just in the weeks following the Total 24Hours of Spa! Impressive!

Therefore, the spectators visiting the Total 24 Hours of Spa will be able to enjoy the traditional Saturdayevening entertainment with a global star. With songs that will please party goers and clubbers, whether its

Love Generation, World Hold On, The Beat Goes On, the inevitable Tik Tokor his latest Far lAmore. Anexplosive mix of dance and french House music, sprinkled with Disco, hip hop, reggae and ragga.So as not to miss anything, tickets are on sale at www.total24hours.com, or at the Free Record Shop. Alittle tip to Bob Sinclar fans dont leave it too late


15/25

Thursday and Friday, its free !

The big party that is the Total 24 Hours of Spa will therefore begin on the Wednesday in the streets of Spa,

but also on Thursday and Friday, on track this time, with the free practice sessions, the qualifying, and alsothe first support races.A regal programme that the RACB and SRO are offering for FREE. Watch the battle for pole position forthe Total 24 Hours of Spa, as well as the first two first rounds of the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeoand the British F3, races also featuring the title of FIA F3 International Trophy. Not forgetting the firstappearance of the French F4 Championship. All this and not a penny spent. Save the date !

Something for everyone

Whilst some will be at the edge of the track, either enjoyingthe race or getting drunk on the decibels, others can takeadvantage of the many other events on the programme. Mostnotably with the return of the creatures from TemptationCarwash, which had a huge success last year.And for the younger spectators, the Kids Village will onceagain be unmissable, just as the fun fair, the supercarpark,the different shops and boutiques, etc...Without forgetting thekarting track at Spa Francorchamps, where some could

discover the drivers of the future during the weekend.


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Marc A. Hayek

Dream cars, prestigious circuits, incredible people, GT racing has always had a slightly mythical

air, and I think that the motorsport world was ready for a return to the roots of thesecompetitions. Therefore, it is hardly surprising to see that the Blancpain Endurance Series has

rapidly become the unmissable series for GT racing in Europe. Outdoing all expectations, notonly has the public been enthralled, but so have the teams, to the point that the starting grid forour next event at Spa-Francorchamps is the most successful in the history of this legendarycircuit. As CEO of Blancpain I am delighted with this success.

As far as a driver, the first two events, in Monza and Navarra, were very positive, confirming thehigh level of competition and the ability of our team to take up the challenge. We are nowimpatient to be back in action for the 24 Hours of Spa. This race, more than any other, pushesthe limits of both man and machine. There, you will feel real emotions and need to take care of

the slightest details. On a legendary circuit, combined with the purest form of enduranceracing, it is likely to be the highlight of the season for all the fans, and one that comes closestto the glory days of GT racing. It is a challenge and a unique opportunity to take part, and ourwhole team will be doing everything to be on top form.

Editorial


17/25

Blancpain : a privileged motorsport partner

Blancpain, founded in 1735, is the oldest watch-making brand in the world. Firmly attached tothe values of traditional watch-making, the Brassus Manufactory works ceaselessly to perfectthe complexities, designs and production methods, and works insatiably to conquer newhorizons. Its ambition for over 275 years is to take the watch-making art where it has neverbeen !

The marques key to success lies in its mastery in all the areas involved in the production of an

exceptional mechanical timepiece, from the creation of the movement and its elements down to thefunctional design of the watch, through the choice of materials and refined finishing touches, entirely

by hand. Without ever straying from its precious heritage, Blancpain continues its quest for

performance, precision and elegance, proposing a range of exceptional timepieces with the most

sophisticated movements.

Remaining faithful to its values, Blancpain regularly associates itself with partners who share its

passion for excellence. Either in motorsport, the nautical world or undersea diving, high gastronomy or

lifestyle, the Manufactory is proud of its partnerships, which go well beyond simple co-branding.

Blancpain invests itself fully, joining forces with its partners in a spirit of surpassing itself, valuing

creativity and authenticity.

Already involved as the official timekeeper for the FIA GT1 World Championship, as well as title

sponsor of the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo, Blancpain reinforced its presence in the world of

motorsport this year with its participation in ADAC GT Masters and with the creation of the Blancpain

Endurance Series, a new international championship dedicated to the GT3 and GT4 categories,

managed by the SRO Motorsports Group. This high-level partnership corresponds to the values which

spark the passion of the President and CEO of Blancpain, Marc A. Hayek, for motorsport. To surpass

ones limits, to feel real emotions and to take care of the smallest details, those are the key values he

applies on the circuits, behind the wheel of his Reiter Engineering Lamborghini Gallardo GT3, but also

to the Blancpain products.

The incredible success of the new championship, greeted with enthusiasm by teams and public alike,shows to what point the Blancpain Endurance Series constitutes a return to the true essence of GT

racing. This enthusiasm is confirmed by the unprecedented number of entries in the 24 Hours of Spa-

Francorchamps, the highlight of the season.

PR InternationalJean-Charles Zufferey

Tl.: +41 21 796 36 36Fax: +41 21 796 36 37E-mail: [email protected]

Press Lounge http://press.blancpain.com/Web sites WWW.BLANCPAIN.COM

WWW.BLANCPAIN.TV


18/25

The GT3 World Cup

If the entry list of the 63rd edition of the Total 24 Hours of Spa, highlight of the BlancpainEndurance Series 2011, is nearing 70 cars, quality and quantity are fighting for the headlines.

It isnt less than 13 different brands which we should see on the starting grid, theoverwhelming majority of them racing in GT3. It is only a step away from there to calling theseTotal 24 Hours of Spa 2011 the GT3 World Cup. Here is a review of the cars which will growlwith pleasure from the 27th to the 31st of July on the most beautiful circuit in the world.

Ferrari 458 Italia / Ferrari 430 Scuderia

One of the new additions to this 2011 season, and she doesnt risk going by unnoticed. In

terms of looks, the Ferrari 458 Italita is unchallenged. And the insides are as good as theoutsides, the Italian car has already claimed its first titles in the Blancpain endurance Series,with Michael Bartels Vita4One team winning at Navarra. A German team which is amongstthe great favourites of these Total 24 hours of Spa. There are so far 4 Ferrari 458 Italia carssigned up for the race, but two of the teams are not yet known, but we know for sure that theywill be prestigious.Never leaving anything to chance, the Vita4One Racing team has started its preparations for

the 24 hours of the Ardennes inFrancorchamps, during a round of the Belcar EnduranceChampionship. There will be of course the official Test day three weeks before the race, but

this Belcar round took place over three hours, and alongside some of our rivals for the 24Hours, explained Michael Bartels. All the brands that will be competiting during the 24 Hourswere represented there as well, except for the Ford. It was then the perfect way to judge thefield for this exceptional meeting. The goal was to simulate the upcoming race as best as wecould. With the changing weather conditions we faced, we can say that this Belcar event wasquite similar to what is likely to happen during the classic of the Ardennes. And like during thepractices, the 6 best GT3s were only 4 tenths of a second apart, which gives us an idea of thebattle which we will be facing in the 24 hours.Alongside Vita4One Racing, the Ferrari 458 Italia has also been chosen by SOFREV Auto

Sport Promotion (with Moreau, Goueslard, Pla and Jousse), Kessel Racing (Philipp Peter ofcourse taking part), JMB Racing, and AF Corse, who we know have close ties with themanufacturer, but dont know yet the possible high calibre team. It should be announcedshortly.Lets not yet bury the old generation of Ferrari F430 Scuderia , who have demonstrated theirrobustness during the 24 hours. Italians privileged by the French from Sport Garage.


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Porsche 911 GT3 R

Porsche is above all the defending champion of the title at the Total 24 Hours of Spa. And as aGT3 R, from the Italian team Autorlando Sport, won the first victory of the Blancpain

Endurance Series at Monza, the best is yet to come. Especially since we know that the mainteams focusing on the German GT closely linked to its manufacturer.

Its notably the case with ProSpeed Competition, who wouldnt miss this rendez-vous for theworld. Strengthened by the Dutchman Paul Van Splunteren, the Belgian duo of Marc Gossensand Maxime Soulet are used to shining on the slide of the Ardennes on board the 911 GT3 R

ProSpeed, even if its on the national scene. During the recent Belcar round, held over 3hours with a few of our Total 24 Hours of Spa adversaries, we have clearly shown that theyhad to count on us as soon as strategy and excellent preparation allow to make a difference,

explains a confident Maxime Soulet. All the ProSpeed Competition team is now perfectlyready to take on this very big meeting.

Clearly claiming hte title in the Blancpain Endurance Series, Autorlando Sport will bet on thetrio of Ruberti-Rode-Gianmaria who are quick and homogeneous. Another contender: the lineup of Gianluca de Lorenzi, who will bet on a GT3 R, but also a GT3 Cup in the GentlemenDriver category. Whereas the Mhlner Motorsport team, whose installations are found a

couple hundred metres from the circuit, has made the 24 Hours of Spa a speciality for a while.Up until now, Bernhard Mhlners men have shone in the GT3 category. We can add to this list

Delahaye Racing, who is representing what Belgium does best on the national circuit scene.With Bouvy-Coens-Kelders in the car, it is a perfect line up for a long distance race.

This leaves then the german team Haribo Team Manthey of Olad Manthey. Entered in PRO-AM Cup, she will be able to count on the presence of Brit Richard Westbrook and of theGerman Christian Menzel. And what if this Porsche wasnt what we were really expecting ?

Unavoidable on the endurance scene, Porsche will alos be represented by a handful of 911GT3 Cup cars entered by the French of RMS, but also the Belgian Freeman Gepa 161, and

Level racing.


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Audi R8 LMS

Having celebrated a victory at Le Mans with the R18 TDI, Audi can see itself (????) during thegreatest race in the world reserved for GT cars. And its R8 LMS have the potential, just like

the Audi Sport Team Phoenix showed in the past, and notably last yea, finishing just behingthe elite GT2 cars.

There is not a shadow of a doubt that Audi is involving itself heavily in this race, confirmsVincent Vosse, in charge of Audi Sport Team WRT, which has always wanted GT3s to be theleading cars at Spa. Its one of the official programmes of the brand with the rings, with Le

Mans, the DTM and the Nurburgring. Its the first time since Audi is involving itself to such anextent at Spa. We wont be the only ones, because you cant forget Audi Sport Team Phoenix.Our usual team will run its own cars, with the support of Audi Sport. To prepare ourselves as

best we can, we have already signed up to the test day with all of our drivers.

And we must note effectively that Audi has moved the big guns to the Ardennes. MattiasEkstrm, Timo Scheider, Filipe Albuquerque, Stphane Ortelli, Bert Longin and Greg Franchiare confirmed in the WRT crew, whereas Phoenix will lign up the winner of the 24 Hours of leMans Marcel Fssler, le miracul de la Sarthe Mike Rockenfeller, Andrea Piccini, MarcBasseng, Christopher Haase and Frank Stippler.

Zac Browns United Autosports team will complete the line up, with three Audi R8 LMS with

the star spangled banner welcoming behind the wheel Johnny Herbert, Stefan Johansson,Mark Blundell, Eddie Cheever, and not forgetting the winner of the 500 Miles of IndianapolisArie Luyendyk. Exceptional !

Mercedes SLS AMG

This is the other newcomer of the year whose success is undeniable. Like its rival Ferrari 458Italia, the Mercese SLS AMG never goes by unnoticed, its butterfly like doors making it aworthy descendent of the mythic 300 SL. Add in a magical soundtrack, and you end up with a

leading car which will be represented by various teams to look out for.

Starting with the Belgians of Viage KRK Racing, the team of Koen Wauters, Kris Wauters andRaf Vanthoor, who have hired namely the previous winner of the 24 hours of Spa, AnthonyKumpen, a line-up that has already allowed the Mercedes to win the national Belgiancompetition this season, and for whom Spa was not initially on the calendar this year. Strongeryet, Kumpen and Wauters will be teaming up with a certain Mike Hezemans, double Spachampion.


21/25

The Germans of Black Falcon will also have to be taken seriously, as they will be lining upKenneth Heyer, son of the great Hans Heyer, author of a famous hat-trick at the 24 hours ofSpa in 1982, 1983 and 1984. Thomas Jger and the Belgian journalist-driver StphaneLemeret will be his team mates for the weekend, waiting for the official confirmation of the

other drivers.

If the Brits of team Preci Spark, which are racing in the PRO-AM Cup, are less known, theFrench of Graff Racing have quite a lot to show for, and especially with a certain OliveierPanis! Canditates openly declared to be victorious in PRO-AM Cup. An impressive liste towhich we will add as well the Germans of Horn Motorsport who are aiming for victory by hiring

Stephane Sarrazin and Bernd Schneiter.

McLaren MP4-12C

This is without a doubt the great Premiere of these Total 24 Hours of Spa. Worthy successorof the F1 GTR laureate at Le Mans, the MP4-12C is actually being developed by AndrewKirkaldys British team. No less than three copies have been officially entered for the 24 hoursof the Ardennes, with drivers such as the Portuguese Alvaro Parente or the Brit Oliver Turvey,both coming from GP2 series.

Powered by a V8 3,8 litres Bi-Turbo of 500 Horsepower, the latest born McLaren is resting ona chassis that marries carbon and aluminium. No doubt that its potential will be related with

the look of this car, of which 20 examples should be produced. For the rest, rendez-vous atthe end of July at Spa-Francorchamps, so as to get a full experience of it.

BMW Z4

They wont be the most numerous on the starting grid, butConsidered as the scarecrows ofthe GT3 category, the BMW Z4 are perfectly capable to take the relay from the M3 in the 24hours of the Ardennes.

Spectacular cars, which will be entered by two teams, fully supported by the Bavarianmanufacturer.

Starting with Need for Speed by Schubert Motorsport, whose regular drivers Sderlund,Sandstrm and the unavoidable Claudia Hrtgen, will be probably joined by factory drivers.Whereas the Dutch team Faster Racing by DB Motorsport, managed by Jeroen den Boer, isshining brightly in the FIA GT3 European Championship, and recently stopped by SpaFrancorchamps for a life-size test during a round of the Belcar. Reult: 2nd and 3rd overall!The signal has been given and the official lineups should be set by the official test day.


22/25

Aston Martin DBRS9

If Aston Martin Racing is currently developing a new GT3 which is expected in 2012, theDBRS9 remain sure things, especially in such a long distance race as the Total 24 Hours of

Spa. Especially since the manufacturer is involved in the programmes of its clients, namely inthe context of the Blancpain Endurance Series.The colours of the famous British brand will thus be proudly carried by the French team HexisAMR, which is also competing in the World GT1 Championship. And with fireworks such asHenri Moser, Fred Makowiecki, Yann Clairay and Stef Dusseldorp, the best is yet to come.The legendary Ecurie Ecosse will also be back to business with excellent British gentlemen-drivers who know Spa-Francorchamps like the back of their hand. Competing in the Blancpain

Endurance Series, the GPR Aston Martin team will be joined by their immediate rival in theBelcar Championship, Petronas Barwell Racing, with the excellent Jffrey Can Hooydonk, Tim

Verbergt and Tom Kimber-Smith behind the wheel.

Lamborghini Gallardo LP600

Another Best-seller of the GT3 category ! Developed by the Germany of Blancpain-Reiter.Who will be taking part. Notably with Marc A Hayek, Mr Blancpain, one of his qualities beingknowing how to surround himself well. Namely here with Dutchman Peter Kox, who remainsone of the references of the genre.

Also worth following is Rhino Leipert Motorsport team.???..Whereas Fabien Giroixs GulfTeam First will have not only the colours of endurance, but will also allow the young Italo-Belgian Andrea Barlesi to try out GT after having shone in Prototypes, namely during the 24hours of Spa.

Ford GT

A contemporary version of the mythic GT40, the Ford GT has been taken in charge by MarcVDS, which have made it shine in the Blancpain Endurance Series, which was already had a

podium from the get go in Monza. It is true that Maxime Martin, Markus Palttala and BasLeinders know what theyre doing. A second car will be lies up for the German Marc Hennerici,at the moment accompanied by the French Antoine Leclerc, two drivers who are also racing inFIA GT1 under the same colours.


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Ford Mustang

Staying in the heart of Marc VDS racing to savour the entry of the spectacular Ford MustangFR500, which will be shared by the previous winners of the 24 hours of spa which are Jean-Michel Martin, Maximes father, 4 time champion of the classic ardennaise, and also MarcDuez, unavoidable figure of Belgium and the Spa-Francorchamps track. A line up supberblycompeted by Eric Bachelart, ex-Formula 2driver, owner of an Indy Car Series team, Conquest

Racing.The other Ford Mustang FR500 signed up, VDS Racing Adventures car, cant hide its familyties with the first one, Raphal van de Straten being in fact Marc van de Stratens nephew.The structures are nevertheless different, and the red Mustang with blue and white stripes willbe driven by its owner, but also by the young cubs Benjamin Bailly and Julien Schroyen, andalso the veteran Jos Close.

Dodge

This impressive list is completed by a few more unavoidable GT3s, even though they cant

claim to be at the front of the scene. This is the case of the Dodge Viper Coup Competitionwhich is lining up the Belgians of Signa Motorsport, with namely Pierre-Yves Rosoux, and theFrench of GCR, two cars entered in the Gentlemen trophy.


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Lotus, Nissan, Aston Martin, BMW et Porsche en GT4

To finish this entry list, a handful of GT4s will confront the 24 hours. Starting with the newLotus Evora GT4 which Lotus Sport Italia will line up for Greg and Leo Mansell, Nigels twosons. A car that represents the rebirth of the brand created by the genial Colin Chapman,respecting his philosophy.

Against this new generation of Lotus, the English of RJN Motorsport will line up their traditionalNissan 370Z, namely for Alex Buncombe. In the Belgian ranks, Speelover, with Andr hoof,will get out his Porsche 911 GT4 for the occasion, as well as an Aston Martin GT4.


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Categories : Instructions

If the GT3 and GT4 categories are the sole classes during the 24hours of Spa 2011, the battleduring the 24 hours will not only feature these two nuances. Like the Blancpain enduranceseries, there will be more races during the race that will be doubtless very interesting to follow.

- GT3 PRO-CUP :

The highest class, which features the professional drivers.- GT3 PRO-AM CUP :Category reserved for mixed teams featuring professional and Gentlemen drivers.

- GENTLEMEN TROPHY :Category reserved for Gentlemen drivers and teams with cars from previous seasons,like the Ferrari F430 Scuderia, Ford Mustang FR500, Dodge Viper Coup Competition,Porsche 911 GT3 Cup S, Aston Martin, etc- CUP :

Category reserved for Porsche 911 GT3 Cup class cars- GT4 :Category reserved exclusively for GT4 cars

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