Greetings from the Silverstone Circuit, where the GT3 90-minute race promises excitement and drama amidst mixed weather conditions. Following a wet qualifying session that saw some strategic gambles, the stage is set for another thrilling showdown on the track.
Qualifying kicked off with a damp track that gradually dried out, presenting a challenge for drivers and teams alike. Early in the session, Clarke, Paskin, and Rousseaux rolled the dice with a switch to dry tyres, hoping to gain an advantage. However, the track conditions proved trickier than anticipated, with Huizing and O’Sullivan also opting for slicks late in the session, albeit without reaping significant benefits.
Once again, Benjamin Ek asserted his dominance, securing pole position in the BMW M4, with Ryan O’Sullivan alongside him on the front row. As the race commenced on the greasy track surface, Ek and Zackdahl reignited their battle from Paul Ricard, with O’Sullivan joining the fray, making for a thrilling spectacle in the opening laps. Treviño also remained within striking distance, ensuring the action-packed battle at the front continued unabated.
Despite starting down the order due to qualifying gambles, several gold-class drivers began to make their presence felt as they carved their way through the field. However, as the race reached its midpoint, the weather radar hinted at a potential shower looming on the horizon. Although it initially appeared to skirt the circuit, the rain eventually arrived, drenching the asphalt and throwing a curveball into the race strategy.
With the pit stop window looming, drivers faced a crucial decision: stick with slicks or switch to wet tyres. Despite the sudden downpour catching many off guard, most opted to stay on slicks, gambling on the hope that the rain would subside quickly. This strategic gamble added an extra layer of tension to the proceedings, with some drivers opting for longer stints and avoiding a tyre change altogether.
As the race neared its conclusion, it became apparent that tyre management would be pivotal in determining the outcome. Clarke, struggling on aging tyres in his Lexus RCF, fought valiantly to maintain pace, while Paskin and Landreth showcased their skill in conserving tyre life, keeping their lap times competitive despite the challenging conditions.
In the gold class, Zackdahl emerged triumphant, piloting the Ferrari 296 to an impressive overall victory. O’Sullivan secured second place, adding to the Ferrari's success, while Treviño rounded off the podium in his Mercedes AMG Evo, demonstrating his prowess on the track.
In the silver class, Daroca continued his dominance, finishing comfortably ahead of the competition. Clarke managed to salvage second place despite tyre woes, with Landreth making a welcome return to the podium in his Audi R8 Evo 2, rounding off the top three in the class.
As the checkered flag falls and the celebrations begin, attention turns to the next race at Nordschleife, where a dry forecast promises yet another thrilling spectacle on one of motorsport's most iconic circuits.
Until then, this is your pit lane reporter signing off from Silverstone Circuit, where unpredictability reigns supreme and every race brings new challenges and triumphs.