06.04.2004 THE NEW FERRARI 360 GTC RACER TAKES VICTORY AT THE OPENING ROUND OF THE BRITISH GT CHAMPIONSHIP

The 2004 British GT Championship got underway at Donington Park last weekend and the new Ferrari 360 GTC, the much improved successor to the 360 GT, being run by Scuderia Ecosse, took victory during the second of two rounds held.

The car of Andrew Kirkaldy and Nathan Kinch was the first across the line at Derbyshire track, after a long battle with the Tomlinson/Greensall TVR.

The Ferrari 360 GT from the same team with Tim Mullen and Chris Niarchos at the wheel finished 9th. Mullen started the race from an excellent third on the grid but he had to pit for fresh rubber.

The victory was all the more gratifying for the team after a disappointing result in round one which saw Kirkaldy/Kinch 7th and Mullen/Niarchos 25th. There was a light rain shower at the start of the race but the track seemed to be dry enough for slick tyres. Unfortunately the gamble didn't pay off: the rain returned later and it was clear that the Porsches were strong in those conditions.

The next round in the British GT Championship takes place at Mondello Park in Ireland on 8th and 9th May.