16/09/2009 - Algarve

After the two spots won on the podium in Hungary, the Maserati MC12s will once again be protagonists this weekend at the Algarve, Portugal circuit. The Bertolini/Bartels duo - carrying 125 kg of ballast at the new track near Portimao - will attempt to defend their driver's classification leadership from the attacks of Hezemans/Kumpen, in second place and four points behind.
There are high expectations for the other Vitaphone Racing Team duo, Müller/Ramos. The German driver, performer of the last three consecutive pole positions, and his Portuguese co-driver, will try to obtain their first season victory, taking advantage of a car that is carrying "only" 25 kg of ballast.



The third MC12, bearing the colors of the Vitaphone Racing DHL team and driven by Pier Guidi/Bobbi, will be called upon to confirm its position. After their impressive second place at Hungaroring, the Italian duo will have to deal with 85 kg of ballast.
The weather forecast for the Portuguese weekend is ideal. The event will start on Saturday, a day in which the free practices (9:00 am - 12:00 am), the pre-qualifying (12:00 am - 1:20 pm) and qualifying practices (4:35 pm - 4:50 pm) will take place. After the warm-up on Sunday, the race will start at 2:15 pm and will last two hours.
 
Algarve
Length of circuit: 4692 m
Schedule:
Qualifying practices: Saturday 19 September, from 16.35 pm to 16.50 pm
Race: Sunday 20 September, from 2.15 pm to 4.15 pm
Ballast:
Car no.1 - Bartels/Bertolini, Vitaphone Racing Team: +125 kg
Car no. 2 - Müller /Ramos, Vitaphone Racing Team: +25 kg
Car no. 33 - Pier Guidi/Bobbi, Vitaphone Racing Team DHL: +85 kg