PSC: Spa-Francorchamps report

• harald.bloche@gmd.de (Harald Bloche)
• MNI - Motorsport News International
• Tue Aug 27 23:31:11 EDT 1996

Eighth Round at the Belgian Grand Prix
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Emmanuel Collard Champion; Battle for Runner-up Continues

Spa-Francorchamps. Emmanuel Collard from France is the 1996 Porsche
Pirelli SuperCup Champion. The 25 year old Formula 1 test driver took
third on the 6.974 km circuit, the most challenging of the entire
series calendar. Out of total eight races his impressive series record
includes four wins, six fastest qualifying laps, and seven quickest
race laps. During the grid lottery, where the six fastest drivers draw
their starting position, Collard earned himself three points here in
Spa - one point gained for every lost place. This gave Collard the
Championship title even before today's race started. Collard commented
on his success: "It was a fantastic season. At every race I was on the
podium. Thanks to my supportive, professionel team, a reliable Porsche,
and no retirements. My fight with Harald Grohs for third today was hard,
but fair." Grohs (D, Manthey Racing) shadowed the leading two until the
last round, where Collard attacked and passed.

The decision for runner-up position will have to wait until the final
round in Portugal (Estoril, 22 Sept). Three experienced and determined
Porsche specialists grapple amongst themselves for this honour: In Spa-
Francorchamps during qualifying Juergen von Gartzen (D, Oberbayern
Motorsport) trailed Collard by just 0.125 seconds, and today's race led
the pack throughout the entire race, with team mate Patrick Huisman
clinging to his bumper. His win in Spa-Francorchamps is Von Gartzen's
first of the season. Also chasing the runner-up position are Jean-Pierre
Malcher (F, Larbre Competition) and Patrick Huisman (NL, Oberbayern
Motorsport). Malcher, champion of last year's series, ended his race
fifth.

Twenty year old Patrick Simon (D, Porsche Zentrum Koblenz) gave a
remarkable performance. After a severe accident at his daunting track two
years ago, the promising pilot regained his speed, and over the weekend
improved his times over the practice sessions ending his race sixth.
Both VIP drivers experienced bad luck during the race. Motorcycle World
Champion Christian Sarron missed a gear change and consequently was
sidelined with engine problems. Norberto Fontana, Formula Nippon pilot
and Formula 1 test driver finished his race 24th after a spin.

Top ten results:

Pos     Driver                  Team                            Time
---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1      Juergen von Gartzen/D   Oberbayern Motorsport       25:52.741
 2      Patrick Huisman/NL      Oberbayern Motorsport         + 0.859
 3      Emmanuel Collard/F      JMB Competition                 2.238
 4      Harald Grohs/D          Manthey Racing                  3.287
 5      Jean Pierre Malcher/F   Larbre Competition             17.233
 6      Patrick Simon/D         Porsche Zentrum Koblenz        21.578
 7      Horst Farnbacher/D      Zepter Racing Team             30.250
 8      Olaf Manthey/D          Manthey Racing                 30.736
 9      Duncan Huisman/NL       Porsche Zentrum Koblenz        33.960
10      S. de Groodt/B          Porsche Zentrum Koblenz        35.241

CHAMPIONSHIP:

Pos     Driver                  Pts
-----------------------------------
 1      Collard/F               168 (Champion)
 2      von Gartzen/D           123
 3      Malcher/F               111
 4      Patrick Huisman/NL      106
 5      Mathai/D                 80
 6      Farnbacher/D             68