WE ARE BACK!
After long winter break, GT-MES returns!
Popular Gr2-class returns with Gr3-class support, and we should have some exciting racing!
Some big names have moved class, left and returned to GT-MES. These moves should shake up the running order, but there are also many drivers sticking to same car for second or even third season, expect to see them getting fast start. Gr3 also has couple new manufacturers, question mark is how they will compere to rivals.
First Round is in Nurburgring as always, and as it is working as main testing circuit for most drivers each off season, so drivers should be really tuned in. Circuit has some good overtaking spots, and has always produced good racing.
Gr2
Honda clinched incredible 10th Drivers-title and 7th Manufacturers-title last season, and driver line-up is amazing yet again.
Nils returned to Honda for Season 12 after having won title with NSX in Gr4 in Season 2 and Season 7, with aim to win his first Gr2-title and top class-title. His driving was maybe highest level it has ever been, taking several pole positions, wins in Nurburgring and Suzuka and critically as consistent all season. He went to Le Mans as man to beat, and pulled through, finishing 2nd and winning his 4th title, 1st in top class and 3rd with Honda. For first time, he returns to defend his title in same car. But German does not sound that optimistic that he would be able to defend his title for first time:
''I don't think it's going to be a second Season 12 to be honest. As long as I get sometimes here and there in the top 3 I'm happy, more can't be expected. I had not too much time for practice either because of school and upcoming job interviews which both are requiring quite some time''. For first time since Nils teamed up as reigning Gr4-champion with reigning Gr3-champion sota59 for new Gr2-class in Season 3, there will be 2 reigning champions in same team. Last seasons Gr3-champion
TSR_JoeToGuy is making jump to Gr2, after having to settle for Gr3-spot last season with Gr2 being full. He started last season as huge favorite, and showed his class with 3 wins and couple podiums, and went to Le Mans as very big favorite. Race in Le Mans proved to be difficult, and with his biggest rival winning the race, TSR_JoeToGuy needed 3rd driver to take points for fastest lap to stay ahead on points. In the end he was confirmed as Gr3-champion, clearing his way to top class this season. His comments ahead of the season:
''For the season I'm hoping for the title, of course. I'd then have the Gr3 and Gr2 titles back to back. The manufacturer title should be attainable as well now I have an actual teammate for the whole season''. Both drivers won their class last season in Nurburgring, Nils winning his home race for 6th time, record, and TSR_JoeToGuy winning in Gr3.
''I won in Nurburgring last season, so hopefully I can do the same. I don't think the circuit suits the NSX particularly though'' - TSR_JoeToGuy.
Nissan is heading in to season with same line-up as past 2 seasons. They could not win title last season, with defending Gr2-champion
jonimestari91 unable to defend his title for second time, falling to 4th and 5-time champion
sota59 3rd. jonimestari91 took dominant wins in Spa and Laguna Seca, but while sota59 was unable to win race for first time since Season 6, he was main contender of the team most of the season due being more consitant, scoring 6 podiums in 8 races and sitting 2nd in standings most of the season. Consistency is what has won him title before, but he needs to win races to be real contender. Team SotaSport teamboss sota59 commented his and his teams changes this season and in Round 1:
''If we are realistic, we are outsiders for the title, Honda's will be hard to beat. We had good overall speed all season, but missed some of our chances and then Le Mans was real disappointment. We think we can make tiny gains in our 3rd season in the car, but i dont think it will be enough to beat others every weekend. We go to each race with podium object for one of the cars, race win could be there to take later in the season for one of us. This weekend dont think there is any chance we will beat either of the Honda's, and with how good Lexus-drivers are on Nurburgring, finishing ahead of them in 3rd place would be like a win''. sota59 has won in Nurburgring twice, but latest win all they way from Season 4. jonimestari91 won in Nurburgring in Season 8.
Lexus is heading in to their 3rd season with
FRGT_Hatton93 and
FRGT_Spookyluki. Having to failed to finish in top 3 in each of the last 2 seasons, there has been some organization changes, and they are now running under their own team banner, FRGT. FGRT_Spookyluki has taken 3 wins past 2 seasons, but has lacked consistency and missed races, hurting his changes of being true title contender. Last season he only took part in 5 races, ballast was on his favor for most races, allowing him to take 2 wins and podium, but this ended up making him outsider in Le Mans due ballast, unable to fight for title.
''Hoping to be able to make more rounds this season, back on a wheel so hoping to be more consistent and maybe challenge for a championship'' - FRGT_Spookiluki. FRGT_Hatton93 has not won race yet in his first 14 races, but has usually been driver carrying the team. He has been close couple times, and if he gets win or two under him, he could be real contender. FRGT_Hatton93 had this to say ahead of season opener:
''Its going to be an extremely difficult season, the Gr2 field is ultra competitive this season and we will have to be at our very best to get anything, first round just be solid, i think a podium is possible but probably only the 3rd step, the rest of the season is up in the air with ballast and whatnot, i think a sensible aim is top 3 in both drivers and teams championships. Hope to finally break my duck and get a win too, 3rd times a charm''. FRGT_Spookyluki won in his debut in Season 10 in Nurburgring, and FRGT_Hatton93 finished impressive second last season.
Gr3
Mazda has been best of Gr3 since its return in Season 11, but they also have had big name drivers. This season FRGT has taken both Mazda's, expanding to Gr3, and drivers will be 2 rookies
FRGT_Revs and
FRGT_Bottlejob. Early indications show it should be FRGT_Bottlejob being leading driver, but he does not sound very optimistic:
''I'd have to say that I'm a little apprehensive. Having seen the target time for Round 1 I think that my ultimate aim will be to have as many clean races throughout the season as possible by minimizing mistakes and see where that takes me. If all goes well I expect to be in the midfield and gradually move up as ballast starts to take effect on the competition''. FRGT_Revs does not sound more optimistic:
''So this season is just a pace bearer. Focusing on how to learn to do setups and consistency. I'm not gonna set the world alight but just looking to be mid-pack. Hopefully my teammate Bottle can help garner the bulk of the points this season. I'm eyeing Maggiore and Le Mans as my main scorers being specialist tracks for me. And then the rest just hoping to have consistency see me through''.
Mercedes returned last season, and ended up winning their 3rd Drivers-title. This season all new driver line-up, with
amuda74 returning having raced with Mercedes in Season 10. He complained about the car back then, but it now has new BoP, so things should be different. amuda74 is coming off very difficult season, making several mistakes and struggling with pace, but American does sound optimistic for new season:
''I'm way happier in this new car than I was last season. Although I'm expecting to struggle in round 1 because of continued tire wear struggles, I definitely think that if I don't mess up too much, this season will be one of my best ones in GT-MES with occasional podiums a real possibility''. Second driver will be returning 2-time champion
thunderpigeon. Having not raced for long time, last GT-MES race in Season 6, road to being competitive might be long, but pace has not been bad in practice. He has this to say when asking about his return:
''I am excited to be returning to the series and pleased to see some familiar names. The competition looks tough in Gr3 and I hope the opening race will go well for me. I am hoping for podium finishes this season and some good clean racing from start to finish. Good luck to everyone!''. While amuda74 has never had good race in Nurburgring, thunderpigeon has perfect record there, winning his GT-MES debut in Season 5, and then another win in Season 6. Does he has chance to get 3rd?
Porsche keeps line-up same for this season,
y_bearr_ back for 3rd straight season and
de-luck4 now fully Nukeshot-member. y_bearr_ made progress last season winning race again and being far more competitive than his first season, but accident in Round 3 snowballed and left him out of title fight. He still finished 3rd in standings end of the season, and with top 2 not returning, Indonesian starts as one of the biggest favorites.
''I hope I'll win more races than last season and still get to the podium when my car is heavier because of the success ballast. Feeling positive since I still get few tenths out of my car''- y_bearr_
. de-luck4 is interesting driver, he has win and couple podiums, but time to time he lacks speed and often falls to big mistakes costing him a lot. For second season in Gr3 and in same car, expect to see improvement all around. Danish-driver expects to struggle in first race, but has high hopes for the season:
''Well, from Round 1 i will try to survive, nothing more, because its one worse tracks to me. This season i will aim for a win and P5 at final standings will be huge achievement to me''. y_bearr_ has finished last 2 seasons 4th in Nurburgring due some silly mistakes, maybe now is time to get to podium and maybe even win?
Subaru makes its return to GT-MES, first time since Season 7. All 3 seasons it has appeared, it has won 3 Drivers-titles and 12 race wins. Heading their line-up this season will be
TSR_Tomsoft. German had 2 race wins last seasons, and ended up finishing 4th in standings. Reports tell that he has been working hard, found speed, and maybe could be man to beat this season. What he lacked last season was consistancy every round, he needs to fix that to win title. He also struggled in Le Mans-finale, something that is almost certainly suicide for title hopes for any driver. TSR_Tomsoft made his goals for the season clear:
''Hopes for the season are to get more podiums, more wins, being more consistent in terms of pace overall. For Round 1 I'm hoping for a win obviously, but I'd be satisfied with a podium''.
Other car will have 2 drivers this season.
Tazz_1990 will start the season, German is GT-MES Hall of Famer, 5th all time in started races with 32 and has won 2 races. Having last appeared start of Season 10, he has been out of racing car long time, and expects to struggle at least for first. Rest of the races will drive
VLX_CJohn, appeared in 4 races last season, winning once. With only doing couple races, he will have ballast on his side, so expect him to challenge for wins every time he starts.
Toyota rejoins GT-MES after unsuccessful first attempt in Season 9. Team will be ran by Paradox Sim Sport with partnership with Nukeshot again, with teamboss
G4 Rotary as main driver. Season 9 Gr2-champion is jumping down to Gr3 after 4 seasons in Gr2. He experienced weird season in top class, having started as favorite, he struggled most of the season, but ended up winning in Dragon Trail and then in Le Mans, ending up surprise 2nd in standings after the season. Having been in top 3 all 4 seasons in Gr2, Gr3 represents new challenge, but he starts as one of the favorites if he can get Supra to work:
''I think i have a good chance at a few good results, I haven't driven Gr3 competitively in a little while and the field will be very competitive this season so it will definitely be a challenge to win. Hopefully me and my Nukeshot-teammates can work together to make the best out of every situation''. Second driver will be
GTO250GTO, he impressed many end of last season with his improvements, ending season in Le Mans with first podium. Now in very good team around him, we could see him take another step, but Supra is know to be difficult car, so it is interesting to see what he can do.
