Pirelli : Italian Exotics go Head-to-Head at Queensland Raceway

Classic Italian supercar brands Ferrari and Maserati will go head-to-head in round three of the Pirelli Gran Turismo Championship at Queensland Raceway on 18 May.

Ferrari 430 drivers John Teulan and Kevin Miller will take on the Maserati Trofeo GT3 duo of championship points leader Rod Wilson and Jim Manolios, in a battle for supremacy in Australia's premier GT series.

Queensland Raceway's third round will also see implementation of the Pirelli Gran Turismo Championship's alternate race format . a 12 lap sprint followed by a 40 lap mini-endurance race.

"It's our first year and fields are still small, but with each round we are attracting a broader competitor base," Rod Wilson explained.

"The fight at the front is 'hot', though, and I expect the winner in Queensland to have really earned it.

"Personally, I'd like to extend my points lead but the other guys are out to peg it back . should be interesting!"

Aiming to end the Italian domination of victory circle in Queensland will be Porsche GT3 racer Roger Lago and, up holding American honour, Scott Lyydiard in his thundering Dodge Viper.

 

2008 Pirelli Gran Turismo Championship Points 

1. Rod Wilson (2006 Maserati GT3), 40 points
2. Roger Lago (2006 Porsche 997 GTS), 34
3. Ross Lilley (Lamborghini Gallardo GT3), 28
4. Dave Stevens (Ferrari 430 GT3), 26
5. Graeme Cook (2000 Porsche RSR), 24
5. Jim Manolios (2006 Maserati GT3), 24
7. Scott Lyddiard (Dodge Viper), 17
8. Russell Kempnich (Porsche GT3 2000), 11
 

Next round of the 2008 Pirelli Gran Turismo Championship will be at Winton Raceway (Victoria) on 14-15 June.