GTE Round 1: Strategic win for Bentz at Silverstone
Jonathan Bentz (Sqaudro GhostworX) won the inaugural race of the 2015.1 SA simGT Endurance Series. The race was held last week at the famous Silverstone circuit.
The start of the race saw pole starter Basheer Jadwat (Squadro GhostworX) maintain the lead through the opening corners of Abbey, Farm Curve and The Loop. The Trigon Racing teammates of Peter van Vuuren and Gerdus Smit did well not to trip over each another, this after exchanging position numerous times before lap 1 of 22 was completed.
The all-Ferrari fight between Browne and van Vuuren.
What looked like the beginning of an early break from the field for Jadwat, was soon nullified as the top four cars concertinaed to form an exciting early battle for the lead. The first three laps showed Bentz to be driving the slightly quicker of the two Squadro GhostworX BMWs, and with Chris Browne (Shadow GwX) and van Vuuren running line astern with them, it made for a riveting opening stage to the race.
Lap 4 saw passing attempts from both van Vuuren and Bentz, van Vuuren with a brave move at The Loop saw him briefly move up into third before Browne swiftly returned the favour at Brooklands, and Bentz with an inside move at Stowe was shortly diffused by Jadwat at the following Club Corner. Unfortunately Browne retired from the race after contact with van Vuuren.
Edwards finished in 4th position.
The half way stage of the race saw a strategic play for the lead. Race leader Jadwat had come in for his pit-stop, however Bentz decided to stay out one lap longer. This pivotal moment in the race saw Bentz produce quick sector times, enabling him to emerge from the pit-lane as the race leader with a 5 second gap back to Jadwat.
Nazeem Edwards did well to leave the pits ahead of Smit to secure a 4th position finish for Nexus Racing
Bentz maintained his well earned position to clinch victory of the simGTE opening race at Silverstone.
Round 1 results:
Race video:
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