29/05/2006

If the GT1 race was close, the GT2 battle was epic.  Less than ten laps before the end, the class was being led by the nr 59 AF Corse Ferrari 430 GT2, with Aguas at the wheel.  Aguas was under attack from a fast-closing Andrew Kirkaldy in the nr 62 Scuderia Ecosse Ferrari, who had just overtaken his team-mate Tim Mullen in the nr 63 car, who was suffering with its tyres.  But as the nr 63 fell back, the two leaders collided, leaving fourth-placed Iradj Alexander to take the chequered flag eight laps later, in the nr 55 JMB GruppeM Ferrari 430 GT2.  The car had been on a different strategy from most of the others, after an early puncture forced them to pit early.  Tim stayed out until the 50-lap point, nearly at the maximum of the possible driving time, and handed the car over to Iradj, who put in a fine performance, and claimed the win, making up for their Silverstone retirement.  "It was an incredible finish, Iradj did a great job at the end, and we are very, very pleased." Tim said afterwards.  This was Iradj's first FIA GT victory and he was delighted. "A few laps before the end there was oil on the track, so I choose to push in order to make the difference. It was very slippery; it was like on a race on ice!" he exclaimed.