Audi’s Molina fastest in DTM practice from Brands Hatch

Audi’s Molina fastest in DTM practice from Brands Hatch
2012 Porsche 911 GT3 R ready for customers
ALMS at Baltimore: The Unknown

Posted: 02 Sep 2011 01:25 PM PDT

Red Bull Audi A4 DTM #22

Four year-old cars dominated proceedings in first free practice of the DTM at Brands Hatch. Audi works driver Miguel Molina established the fastest time in the first encounter at the race track in Kent county. The 22-year old Portuguese completed his fastest lap at the 1.929 kilometres long Indy lay-out of the British track with its long heritage in 42.776 seconds. Only 0.036 seconds down, his fellow Audi driver Edoardo Mortara ended up second. Mercedes-Benz drivers Maro Engel and David Coulthard ended up third and fourth respectively.In fifth position, Mike Rockenfeller was the fastest driver of a 2009-spec Audi A4 DTM in free practice on Friday afternoon. The German came 0.101 seconds short of Molina in first place. Behind Timo Scheider (Audi), Ralf Schumacher ended up seventh with his 2009-spec AMG Mercedes C-Class. Christian Vietoris (Mercedes-Benz), Mattias Ekström (Audi) and Renger van der Zande (Mercedes-Benz) rounded out the top ten. The other local drivers, Gary Paffett, Jamie Green (both Mercedes-Benz), Oliver Jarvis (Audi) and Susie Stoddart (Mercedes-Benz) ended up eleventh, 14th, 16th and 17th respectively.

<br /> Audi Sport Team Rosberg DTM Brands Hatch

In free practice, the lap times of all drivers, all the way down to Rahel Frey (Audi) in 18th place, were within one second. The Swiss was 0.790 seconds down. With 75 laps and 144.675 kilometres, Gary Paffett completed the longest distance.

Second free practice of the DTM follows on Saturday morning from 9.00 till 10.30 h local time in the UK. Qualifying from 14.10 h onwards will decide on the starting grid positions for the seventh round of the season. ARD will be broadcasting qualifying live from the UK from 15.03 h German time.

DTM: Alexander Premat fastest in first practice at Adria

Audi’s Molina fastest in DTM practice from Brands Hatch

2012 Porsche 911 GT3 R ready for customers

Posted: 02 Sep 2011 07:05 AM PDT

ONEIGHTURBO

2012 Porsche 911 GT3 R

Pics after the jump!

Amongst racing customers all over the world, the Porsche 911 GT3 R is extremely popular for its forgiving handling and basic speed. And it is exactly in this direction that the improvements for the 2012 model year have been targeted. The engine output has increased by 20 hp to now deliver 500 hp (368 kW). Paddle-shifts on the steering wheel ensure gear changes are even quicker and simpler, making it easier for pilots to concentrate on braking. Moreover, the transmission electronics, featuring an automatic throttle blip control, make it almost impossible to miss a gear and over-rev the engine. A softer anti-roll bar on the front axle reduces understeer.

2012 Porsche 911 GT3 R

The power increase of the four-litre, six-cylinder flat engine in the rear was achieved through optimization of the intake system. The gearing of the sequential six-speed dog-type gearbox was adapted to the higher maximum output. In order to bring the power to the tarmac safely and to assist race drivers, the 911 GT3 R has featured a sophisticated ex-works traction control since the 2010 model year. An efficient race-ABS assists braking.

2012 Porsche 911 GT3 R

The new Porsche 911 GT3 R will be delivered to teams around the world from November 2011. The vehicle costs 304,500 Euro plus the value added tax of respective countries. The Porsche 911 GT3 R from the 2010 and 2011 model years can be upgraded to the 2012-spec. An upgrade kit is available from Porsche Motorsport for 43,100 Euro.

2012 Porsche 911 GT3 R

The 911 GT3 R represents the mid-range of Porsche’s customer racing vehicles. The 911 GT3 Cup, as the top-selling race car in the world, serves as the basis. Ranking above the 911 GT3 R is the 911 GT3 RSR, built for GT2 racing, which competes in series like the American Le Mans Series, the Le Mans Series and at the Le Mans 24 hour race.

2012 Porsche 911 GT3 R