Now three rounds into the 2021 GT World Challenge Europe, it was time for the second outing of the Fanatec Esports GT Pro Series. For the most successful drivers in each class from last time out at Monza, ballast would make their lives a little more difficult, with inaugural winners Arthur Rougier and Ryuichiro Tomita stuck with 30kg for the event.
A late change gave drivers some leeway in regards to pit stop times, with the overall race length being shortened from an hour to 45 minutes.
A promise of stunning visuals was delivered as the Circuit Paul Ricard found its action continuing through day and night with the changing temperatures adding yet another challenge for the field. It was very early into proceedings, however, where the first incident could be found; Nicklas Nielsen facing the wrong way in his Iron LynxFerrari at the edge of Turn 2.
Leading from pole, Team WRT’s Kelvin van der Linde was relatively unopposed for the first lap as shadowing pair Matteo Cairoli and Nicolas Varrone hoped to break away from fourth-placed Phillip Ellis. This didn’t really come to pass as with just over five minute gone, Varrone launched his first attempt at 2nd place only to have it snatched back by Cairoli with Ellis lurking.
It would, eventually, be the man at the back of this lead pack who would fall first but through no fault of his own thanks to a simulator reset required during a lengthy pitstop. In the meantime, Marvin Dienst in his Mercedes had made up good ground, able to slot himself into podium contention.
Cairoli was beginning to struggle in his Porsche and not only was Dienst able to make his way through but then a rising Alex Fontana as well. The Lamborghini was looking planted the further the race went on. With just under 30 minutes left, another strong performance could be found in the hands of Daniel Juncadella who was showing great pace and gambling on an early pitstop to gain him favour on track.
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