IBER GT: Team Novadriver dominated the GT3 class of race 1 at Portimão

By Johan Laubscher

The Spanish IBER GT Championship got underway at Portimao this weekend. The first round of the Spanish series was held alongside round two of the International GT Open. Team Novadriver entered their two Audi R8 LMS ultra cars at the event.

The Portuguese team were home soil and determined to do well. They showed promise during the practice sessions and performed very well in qualifying. The #81 entry of Cesar Campanico and Carlos Vieira took pole position in the GTS class (GT3 competitors), placing fourth overall as well. The sister #80 R8 LMS ultra driven by Manuel Gião and Lourenço Da Veiga qualified sixth in class, ninth overall.

The first race got underway with a confusing start but the racing was fierce on track. The #81 Audi R8 LMS ultra held its ground very well with a terrific performance. They finished the first race as the winners of the GTS class for both the GT Open and IBER GT, and finished third overall. Their teammates lost time after a spin and they ultimately finished in sixteenth place overall. The results from race one can be seen HERE.

The second race will take place today. The grid will see the two Audis line up close together in eighth and ninth overall. We wish the best of luck to the Portuguese team to repeat the great results achieved yesterday. 

Photo credit and more information:
Team Novadriver on Facebook

Team Novadriver phenomenal 2012 with Audi

By Tarek Ramchani

Team Novadriver had a very successful 2012 season with Audi and their R8 LMS ultra cars. The Portuguese Audi Sport customer racing team was able to clinch four titles with the highlights being the Portuguese GT and Spanish Iber GT titles.

In Portugal, the title went to César Campaniço and Carlos Vieira. In Spanish Iber GT it was Mikko Eskelinen from Finland who gave the team the driver's crown. Team Novadriver also did very well in the FIA GT3 European Championship. A fine fourth place in the final points standings and a race win in Russia. 10 victories out of 34 races, quite remarkable for a truly privateer effort.

For 2013 the team will be back with Audi for the fourth straight year. The big target will be the newly formed FIA GT Series with an R8 LMS ultra. The car will be in hands of the team's star, César Campaniço joined by Carlos Vieira.

Championship titles:
Portugues GT - Cesar Campanico, Carlos Vieira
Spanish Iber GT - Mikko Eskelinen
Iberian Supercars Trophy - Cesar Campanico, Carlos Vieira
Taça de Portugal de Circuitos GT - Cesar Campanico, Carlos Vieira

Team Novadriver has just released a brilliant 15-minute video review featuring their phenomenal 2012 season. All their races are included. Great action on prestigious European tracks and great sound as well from the 5.2L V10 inside the R16 cars. Enjoy.

Photo credit and more information:

Team Novadriver official Facebook

Video: Team Novadriver Audi at Barcelona Spanish GT finale

By Tarek Ramchani

Team Novadriver had an outstanding 2012 season. The Portuguese Audi team was really busy this year, having raced in four different series. They entered their Audi R8 LMS ultra in the Portuguese GT Championship, Iberian Supercars Trophy, Spanish Iber GT series and the FIA GT3 European Championship, all with great results. The team was able to capture both the Portuguese and Spanish GT titles.

Here is a brilliant video featuring Team Novadriver at Circuit Catalunya. Barcelona hosted the sixth and final round of the Spanish Iber GT. The Spanish series raced alongside the very well known International GT Open during the finale. Two Audi R8 LMS ultra were there in the middle of a great quality field of GTS (GT3) cars. The GT Open competitors were in front, however the Novadriver cars were among the strongest of the Spanish GT regulars. Strong performances for the team and the driver's title in the end for Mikko Eskelinen with his #81 Audi.

More information:
Team Novadriver website
Team Novadriver on Facebook