We’re expecting the atmosphere in the paddock at Fuji to be a tad tense in GTE Am.
COTA saw some raw nerves and teetering tempers over the interpretation of the rulebook as far as driver rankings were concerned with Enzo Potolicchio making it clear that if action were not taken to tighten things up he would not be continuing in the Championship.
A change duly happened, the class now requiring a minimum of two Silver or Bronze-ranked drivers per car as an attempt to close a perceived loophole that had allowed two driver line-ups to exploit an opportunity to use their Pro for longer in the car.
That has seen a minor flurry of activity in the driver line-ups with (silver ranked) Markus Palttala named at IMSA Performance Matmut alongside the regular duo and the AMR reshuffle impacting on both their cars, Bruno Senna replacing cup tied Nicki Thiim (The Dane though will be back for China and Bahrain) in the #95 car and (Silver ranked) Jonny Adam (seen below with 2013 British GT Champion Andrew Howard) joining the #96 squad of Jamie Campbell Walter and Stuart Hall as the British duo look to stretch their winning streak to a third race win.
At 8Star, (Platinum ranked) Davide Rigon rejoins for the remainder of the season after missing COTA.
In the points standings Campbell Walter and Hall’s recent form sees them top the table, four points clear of IMSA Performance’s Narac and Vernay (below) with Aguas and Potolicchio at 8 Star needing to outscore both in Japan to stay in touch.
The ‘Am’ Astons though retain their 5 litre fuel capacity advantage whilst elsewhere in the class the Larbre Corvette C6.R gain a 0.6 mm larger air restrictor.
