Reigning GTO Champions.

[wookie]

Does anybody know if either Kelvin Burt or Marino Franchitti will be defending their GTO crown this year...? Or whether or not the factory backed GTO Porches will be back on the grid this season?

[PetrolTed]

Not heard anything about it. I suspect Porsche have pulled out fearful that Shorty might beat them with his Tuscan this year

It's the GT media day next Wednesday. I'll have more news then.

[wookie]

Thanks Ted. I fear the Burt/Marino car was slightly "special". It appeared to be quicker than the other factory GT3-RS car and always mixed it with the GT boys even on a non-tight circuit. Success ballast lets hope so...

[viperman]

the only thing i know is that Porsche GB say they will not support a race team this year, but how they worded it in the article it sugested to me that they will be competeing this year, Hope so

[PetrolTed]

It would be a shame if they weren't there as they were a consistent target for the rest of the GTO class to measure themselves by. Pit lane speculation about the car and how it sounded different to the other Porkers continued all season. There's little doubt that a factory car would benefit from the very best of all components which probably wouldn't be made available to privateers.

[wookie]

Fair point Ted. I agree it would be good to have them back in GTO as the drivers/car for others to target. Let's hope Shorty's winter development programme has gone well. Looking forward to Brand's.

[zebedee]

Franchitti is contesting the ALMS this season in an F360 ( I think he's doing the full season) and I heard that Burt is doing Ascar?

That line-up will not be there this year, surely Martin can sweep the board now.

[bennno]

yep last one was right and the team (which were backed by Porsche themselves) are racing in the Carrera Cup this year!

Shorty and Simon therefore should have a bloody good chance this year, particularly as the morgan and corvettes are going to take some time to get competitive!

Bennno

[philip gillard]

I sincerely hope Martin does get the proper support he deserves this year, especially from the factory!