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Photography

GT World Challenge Europe tests Le Castellet 2020 Yann SEITE - 12/13 March 2020

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ello,

the 'GT World Challenge by AWS' tests took place under the threatening shadow of the Coronavirus. Therefore, 'business as usual' was mixed with a latent anxiety... The newcomer KPAX Bentley team had even left without putting a tyre on the track, after the closure of the US air borders.

SRO and the Paul Ricard circuit had nevertheless maintained this meeting, at the extreme limit of the containment decisions. Let's remind the prestigious entry list : Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Ferrari, Honda, Lamborghini, Lexus, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG and Porsche ! During 12 hours, over 2 days, the teams tested the packages, the drivers, the procedures, the pace. One general opinion is that the new Pirelli tyres require to reboot the setups...

This event is the last that I will enjoyably cover before a long time; this can explain my bulimia of 1700 shots in 2 days !

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he Mclaren is my 'favorite', looking more prototype than GT. Several drivers took turns in the official 'Papaya Orange' : Joe Osborne, Fran Rueda (below), Rob Bell, Martin Kodric.

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ptimum Motorsport moved from Aston Martin to Mclaren during the off-season :

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till a Mclaren, the one of the team of Jenson Button, F1 world champion. The livery unequivocally recalls his fruitfull period, Brawn GP, the incredible 2009 season... A perfect 'One Shot' !

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PX Racing changes gear, with illustrious names and official Porsche drivers at the wheels of their 2 cars, like a certain 'RD'... Huge champion (winner at Spa, at the Nürburgring, at Sebring, at Le Mans), nice and passionate, 'old-fashioned' because he masters all disciplines (winner at Pikes Peak)... What else can I say ?
This team is the title holder of the 24h of Spa, the main event of the season.

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nother Porsche armada : 3 cars are entered by the Italians of Dinamic Motorsport, unexpected Monza 2019 winners.

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he coronavirus crisis has made its first victim: Aston Martin R-Motorsport announced that it wouldn't compete in 2020 ! What can we expect for some less structured teams than this one ?

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he R-Motorsport pits, seen from a mouse and a bird (a 'stormy petrel', see above) ...

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n the 'S de la Verrerie', there is one of the only slopes of the circuit, with the possibility of finding yourself in 'low diving' mode. And, luckily, of taking a slightly graphic picture. But the anxiety remains of turning your back to the traffic, protected by a simple slide...
NB: due to sacrosanct F1 requirements, the circuit will probably create a less pronounced curve, far away from the photographers.

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ore blue color, more British cars...

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he Mercedes contingent impresses by the number and the performances, especially those of the nb 88 (Marciello / Boguslavskiy), pole setter of 3 sessions out of 4 ! The AKKA ASP team is now a reference to beat in the PRO category.

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hitin AKKA ASP, there is a 'Divine Bald' whose head was kissed in 1998 during the soccer World Cup...
He has gained the respect of the paddock, with his dedication, his learning from his more experienced teammates, and his will !

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t the west end of the circuit, I had never tested this shooting angle, aligned with a buzzer that many cars cheerfully overcome.

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ame place, in side view (the one I preferred until this year).

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ack to the 'puits', as our Quebec friends say.

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or the BMW M6 enthusiasts (which I am not, I find it a bit clumsy, tasteless, unlike its sublime predecessor, the Z4 GT3)...
Since I am describing my favorite shooting locations, the middle of the 'Double Droite du Beausset' was part of it years ago, from the spectator side. Without any good reason, I had abandoned it, to favor the Media Pass restricted area.

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nother fishing spot. I do not understand why my 'colleagues' do not spend more time at the entrance of the pitlane. Indeed, you can't be closer to the action...

'Orange is the new Black Falcon' !

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t Audi side, you can trust the powerful WRT team to be at the forefront. Herebelow, the Belgian Frédéric Vervisch, winner of the 2019 Nürburgring 24 hours.

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rom Audi to Lamborghini, despite popular belief, there is only one step. Indeed, the two brands belong to the same group; logically, these two cars use the same V10 5.2l engine.
Brecht Decancq, one of my idols in motorsport photography, did the setup of a photo session for Emil Frey Racing. I take very opportunely 'profit' of it.

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his color... It hurts a bit the eyes !

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nd this one too...

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he Rinaldi Racing Ferrari Nb 888 enters the Silver Cup (Salikhov / Perel / Kujala).
As a reminder, the FIA categorizes the drivers according to their performances and their age (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum rankings).

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urélien Panis gets behind the wheel of an atypical car, the Tech1 team Lexus. Very good drivers (Panis / Neubauer / Buret), experienced team, BOP, suitable track for the car (see previous years results) : good surprise, it ranked well in all sessions.

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n southern France, when the session ends, it is 'Pastis time' (see the cap of Jules Gounon, official Bentley driver) !

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t is on this shocking revelation that I take my leave ('Top Gear Style' conclusion...). Take care of yourself, and...

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ee you soon (?) for a next event !