17.10.2003 LAMBORGHINI'S BRAND NEW MURCIELAGO R-GT HITS THE TRACK IN MONZA

By entering the R-GT, Reiter Engineering is also making its return to the Championship, after an absence of nearly two years. The German team, led by Hans Reiter, last took part in the final round of the 2001 season, finishing 5th with Peter Kox and Oliver Gavin. The team is now running the Lamborghini Murciélago R-GT for the first time, experienced Audi-contracted Sportscar drivers Rinaldo Capello and, five times Le Mans 24 Hour winner, Tom Kristensen at the wheel.

Looking every inch a purposeful, aggressive racer, the dark coloured car, devoid of any sponsors, ran a total of 34 laps as test driver Rinaldo Capello got to grips with the car around the high speed Monza track. The driver's reported excellent handling from the Murcielago R-GT but were hampered by a lack of top end speed on Monza's sweepingly fast straights and curves.

In the first free practice, Capello managed a best of 1:51.030, 18th fastest, 6.3 seconds away from the fastest time set by the 22 BMS SCuderia Italia Ferrari, while the second, slightly faster session, saw him improve to a 1:50.889, again 18th fastest, 6.505 seconds off the fastest time set by the Force One Chrysler Viper.

Manfred Fitzgerald: "The idea behind this programme goes back to a year ago, due to customer demand for a car based on the Murciélago which could compete in the FIA GT Championship. The company gave thought to this matter, and got the approval to go ahead in late July. We will be racing for the first time seven weeks after starting the development time. This race is part of our development process, and although we don't expect much in terms of results, it is important to see whether the development is in the right direction. We have already identified some problem areas such as the top speed.  But the car is reliable and everything is going to plan."

Rinaldo Capello: "The car is very new; we only started testing two weeks ago in Vallelunga, when we had some big problems. We finally managed to run nearly 500 km at Zeltweg. The top speed is our main problem, but Monza is a good opportunity to test and develop the car for next year."

Tom Kristensen: "Dindo has done the whole testing programme, so he will do qualifying. But it will be difficult to aim for pole - maybe if it's raining.  I drove the car for the first time today, and we need more top speed and acceleration. Apart from that, the car is good round the corners. But this is a good opportunity to compare ourselves to the rest of the competition, as it is difficult when running alone. It is certain that the FIA GT is very competitive and strong.  We need to work on the car and see for next year."