Sportscars Winter Series

Gallardo LP560 GT3 makes race of debut Peter Kox and Albert von Thurn und Taxis drove the new Reiter Engineering designed and built Lamborghini Gallardo LP560 GT3 for the first time in a race. In free practice the enormous potential of the new car was demonstrated as it recorded the fastest lap among the entire GT field. In the process Kox / von Thurn und Taxis were quicker than the more powerful classified GT2 models and also the GT3 favourites the Audi R8 and Ford GT. Kox / von Thurn und Taxis occupied fifth positionbehind four prototypes.

In qualifying the new Gallardo moved a place up the timing screens. Surrounded by six sport prototypes weighing only 900 kg Peter Kox and Albert von Thurn und Taxis were able to secure third position on the grid. Their nearest GT rival was 2.3 seconds behind. Peter Kox contested the first of three races. The Dutchman saw the chequered flag as third GT car after 21 laps. However, Kox was slowed by electronic problems with the feed pump in the fuel tank. The engine stalled every lap in the lefthand corner before the start-finish line as a result of the falling fuel pressure.

In the second 30-minute race Albert von Thurn und Taxis took control of the Gallardo LP560 GT3. He finished third overall and on the podium and in second place in the GT class. Unfortunately the Lamborghini crew was unable to finish the final race over 60 minutes. Although Kox / von Thurn und Taxis were forced to retire after 22 laps they were still classified as sixth in the GT class.

The tight schedule between the races of the one day event left absolutely no time to solve the electronic problem.