First win for GLV Brums

Giovanni Lavaggi and Gaston Mazzacane, driving a Ferrari 333SP, were strong throughout the 75 laps, finishing 18 seconds ahead of the Kremer Lola Ford.

Third place was taken by pole-sitters Pescatori and Moncini, driving the BMS Scuderia Italia Ferrari 333SP.

Rain played havoc with this penultimate round of the 1999 season, which started under grey skies. The rain started in earnest after 15 minutes, and the field was rapidly reduced from the initial 19 to 11. Only seven cars took the chequered flag.

The adverse conditions ruined JB Giesse's hopes of securing the championship at this round, with both their cars going out in the early stages.

After Collard, in the #1 Ferrari 333SP, spun out, his team-mate and fellow Championship leader Sospiri moved to the #2 car in the hope of salvaging some points. But that car was also stranded out on the track.

'It was very hard, but it's been a good race for us, as we are now only eight points behind the leaders with one race to go,' Christian Pescatori said.

When the downpour started, the Kremer Lola stayed out longer on slicks than their competitors, and built up a healthy gap.

'It was OK on slicks, a bit slippery, but I was catching people. And I thought, as long as I'm catching them, I'm staying out,' Kremer's John Nielsen said.

The pace car came out for 10 laps, eliminating Nielsen's lead.

When the race restarted, the GLV Brums Ferrari kept up a close fight, moving into the lead shortly before the end, when the Kremer had to make their final pit-stop.

'I had problems with my visor, and couldn't see anything,' race-winner Lavaggi said afterwards.

'But we had been hoping for rain, as we are using our spare engine which is not so powerful. I was pushing the Kremer carvery hard at the end, and was ready to attack. It's a great result for the team.'

The SR2 class was won by Giovanna Amati and Angelo Lancelotti after a steady race in the bad conditions.

'Angelo did a very good start, and changed tyres as soon as the rain started, building up a good gap. I managed to maintain that gap. We are now second in our class and we're very glad to go to South Africa with a good chance of winning our class,' Amati said.

The duo hopes to move up to the SR1 class next year.

ISRS Result from Magny-Cours