After three hours of very close, competitive racing under sunshine and blue skies, the Larbre Competition Ferrari 550 finished in sixth place on the track but fourth in the points at today's third round of the FIA GT Championship, held at Silverstone.

After running with the leading pack for the first hour, the British managed-Russian Age Racing Ferrari 550 Maranello hits problems, and was eventually to struggle through to finish twelfth.

2004 FIA GT Champion, Fabrizio Gollin, deputising for race winner Pedro Lamy, made a tremendous start and was in 3rd place by the time everyone was through Copse Corner on the first lap. Once the field had settled, Gollin held a steady fifth position, with some good racing between the two Ferrari 550s behind the more recent additions to GT1 - Aston Martins and Maseratis.

Bouchut's two Russian team mates, Fomenko and Vasiliev, completed the second and third stints respectively and, while neither experienced any technical problems, a drive-through penalty for speeding in the pitlane did prevent them from finishing higher up the running order.
 

Fabrizio Gollin: "I had a nice weekend. We improved the car every time we went out, and reduced any problems we had so I am happy for the race. I spent the first hour defending against people behind me but didn't want to take any risks. I know we weren't in bad condition, so it's a good result. Our lap times were quick enough and consistent, and we were the first Ferrari 550 which is important! I think Gabriele has a good chance for the Championship." 

Swiss driver Gardel came under intense pressure in his stint, the middle of three, from the Maseratis of Bartels and Bertolini but held well until just six laps before pitting when he was passed by the latter.

Gabriele Gardel: "I'm really happy with the car, and I think we had more traction than the Maseratis for most of the stint. It's well balanced and we have a good set up but we struggled a bit with the brakes. Towards the end of my stint I backed off a little to cool the brakes, and I also had cramp in my leg as I had to brake so hard every time. It's a shame about the drive-through penalty (for pit lane speeding) as otherwise we would have had 3rd place points."