Introduction

The TSRC PC GT3 Series (S5) championship kicked off with a bang at the iconic Nürburgring circuit. In qualifying, Sam Fleetey secured pole position, with Ethan Faulkner and Dominik Illigner hot on his heels. The Am class saw Luca Spies as the top qualifier, closely followed by Patrizio Gemello. The race was set to be an exhilarating battle between skilled drivers, and it didn't disappoint.

Race Start: Clean Start for Pro Class, Chaos in Am Class

As the lights went out, the Pro class roared into action with a clean start, albeit with some minor door-to-door action. Sam Fleetey, starting from pole position, found himself defending his position fiercely against the determined Dominik Illigner. As they jostled for the lead, further down the grid, Jim McGowen's costly mistake triggered a collision, shaking up the positions in the Am class early on.

Pit Window Drama: Illigner Takes Charge, Fleetey's Misfortune

As the pit window opened, Dominik Illigner showed his tactical prowess by pitting from P2 and rejoining the race with remarkable speed. He managed to gain a significant advantage, applying immense pressure to Sam Fleetey throughout the first half of the race. However, Fleetey's fortunes took a turn for the worse when it was his turn to pit. An unfortunate spin at the pit entry cost him dearly, causing him to lose the lead after the pit cycles.

Meanwhile, in the Am class, Ivan Tomasi made a remarkable leap from P3 on the grid, taking the lead during the pit stops.

Am Class Battle: Spies Claims Victory

As the race unfolded, Luca Spies, the leading Am class driver, showcased exceptional consistency and composure during the pit cycles. He kept his pace steady and took back the lead in the Am class after the pit stops, setting himself up for an impressive performance.

Pro Class Showdown: Fleetey's Fight Back

In the Pro class, the battle for supremacy intensified after Fleetey's pitstop mishap. He made a valiant effort to catch up, turning the race into a four-way fight with Sir Smoggi, Ethan Faulkner, and Victor Martin. The thrilling wheel-to-wheel action was a great spectacle to admire.

Victorious Finish: Illigner Dominates, Spies Rules the Am Class

At the checkered flag, it was Dominik Illigner who emerged victorious in the first round of the TSRC PC GT3 Series (S5) championship. His impressive 18-second lead spoke volumes about his experience. The Pro class podium was completed by Sir Smoggi and Ethan Faulkner, who showcased great racing throughout the race.

In the Am class, Luca Spies's calm and consistent driving earned him a well-deserved victory. His performance demonstrated that he would be a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming rounds of the championship.

Looking Ahead

While some drivers faced challenges and missed out on the podium, it's evident that talents like Samuel Cholmondeley and Guillaume Hamling have the potential to climb higher in the next round. As the TSRC PC GT3 Series (S5) championship continues, we can expect even more heart-stopping moments, fierce rivalries, and outstanding displays of sim racing skill. Nürburgring has set the tone for a thrilling season, and drivers will be practicing for the challenging season ahead. Stay tuned for more action-packed sim racing as the competition heats up!