ello,
Here is an overview of the International GT Open test day, held on the 4th of March at Le Castellet (2nd day of the tests).
Well, it is quite impossible to describe the awful weather that struck in Le Castellet at that day (5 degrees, heavy rain, hail, fog, wind), whereas a so typical Provençal blue sky ruled all week long !
So, 'Papaya' or not 'Papaya' 
?
This is a subtle reference to the current debate among F1 aficionados...
For those who are not aware of the story, McLaren F1 team decided to do a revival of its original livery, but the big question is : does this 'Papaya Orange' respect the heritage of the brand ?
According to me, whatever its color, the 650S is a killing, a perfect mix between beauty and aggressiveness.
Garage 59 is an english team, which enters two McLaren 650 S GT3, for Benham / Tappy, and West / Ledogar.
The french McLaren GT factory driver was not present at these tests, due to his simultaneous commitment in Australian GT.
The Ferrari 488 GT3... This is a very efficient 'bella machina'; but due to its weak engine sound, the myth takes a beating.
One can do the same remark on all the modern turbocharged GT3s, but what is OK for a BMW, shocks for what concerns a Ferrari.
The enchanting engine tone was contributing to the 'extra measure of harmony', that made the italian brand so popular... We are living strange times, for sure.
Taking the weather into consideration, the success rate of my pannings are even lower than usual : poor light, rain curtains, wind blows that shakes the camera at the worst moment !
Most of the GT3s were not yet sticked by disgraceful sponsored liveries, which allowed to appreciate the raw curves of these race cars.
In its immaculate dress, the BMW M6 GT3 even seems to be quite slim .
The #3 achieves the best lap of the day, in 2:19.331.
I can't even imagine what a F3 pilot goes through, in these cold and rainy conditions.
Two Euroformula races took place, alternatively with the GT Open test sessions. Thiago Vivacqua (Campos Racing) reached the 3rd step of the podium in race 2.
While the rain does not weaken, no car goes on the track during the last test session of the day, except one reckless Lamborghini Trofeo.
Let's keep taking pictures in the pits...
Low light ? No issue, set the exposure time to 1 sec, and lay down the camera on the ground !
In the paddock, here lies the Solaris Motorsport Aston Martin Vantage (or what remains of it). The end of the Mistral straight is not exactly the right place to blow up a disk brake.
The driver - Francesco Sini - is safe.
Let's pack everything up...
The SF Racing Ferrari 488 GT3 is the overall meeting best performer (2:04.095, this lap time has been obviously set on Friday). It even did not go out of the pits the day after !
NB : Let me have a thought for the 'real' motorsport photographers.
It's a job, that's all. It must be fun in a mild spring weather, but it also implies to meet obligation of results in all conditions...
ee you soon for a next event !