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Mosport International Raceway

Gran Turismo 3 Grand Prix

19/08/2001

Pre Race

News

© Tom Kjos

The #30 Petersen Porsche 911 GT3-R has declared a tire change from qualifying yesterday and moved to the extreme end, by rule. Since it now appears that the race will be declared a rain race, the early declaration by the team will be a mistake...SINCE THEY WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO RESUME ORIGINAL GRID POSITION, EVEN IF ALL CARS START ON RAIN TIRES.

PTG's #10 performed well in morning warm-up, and Tom Milner is pleased. "The damage looked worse than it was."

The order behind Ron Fellows' Corvette is:

10, 16, 5, 42, 30

It has turned into a downpour here....this is going to be a real crazy one, especially since many of the best cars, and some of the best rain drivers start at the back.

Steady rain since early morning, and the race was just officially declared a wet race. Teams will be able to start on any tire they desire. With a steady moderate rain, slicks would be ill advised. We would think that intermediates will also be in the minority on the grid. All the teams were out on rain tires and intermediates in morning warm-up. The weather will change this race. There are tire, car, and driver characteristics that add some intrigue an hour before the start. The following items were heard around the paddocks this morning.

Drivers

Some drivers are good in the rain, and some just plain like it. The 'head duck' has to be Hans Stuck, always eager to slop around and good at it too. Others with reputations as 'rain drivers' include James Weaver (Dyson #16 R&S), Didier de Radigues (Barbour #5 Lola), Emanuele Collard Team Cadillac #7), and JJ Lehto (#42 BMW GTR).

Cars

Good: The Dyson Cadillac V8 should be very tractable in wet conditions the torque will be controllable, and be able to be brought in gently).
Bad: The Audi Sport North America R8's paddle shift changes are at full throttle, and not under control of the driver. Further there is no 'rich' fuel mapping that could allow the car to run a 'gear up'.

Tires
Goodyear has a particularly good reputation for their wet weather racing tires. Overall, all three factors now make Dyson a 'dark horse' for an actual win here at Mosport. Of course, anything can happen, and will.