Nissan GT-R takes on Spa 24 hour

The R35 Nissan GT-R will be making its European endurance racing debut this weekend at the Spa 24 hour race. This marks the first appearance of a factory backed GT-R at the race since it won the event back in 1991 under Group A touring car regulations. The 2009 race forms part of the FIA GT calendar and sees entries from some of motorsport’s biggest names, including Aston Martin, Audi, Corvette, Ford, Ferrari, Maserati and Porsche.

Nissan Motorsport have completed 10,000kms in testing since the car’s initial shakedown last December. The car will be driven by German Michael Krumm and Britons Darren Turner and ex-F1 driver Anthony Davidson.

Live timing for the event can be accessed from mstworld.com. Judging by the times posted during a wet Free Practice 1 the GT-R will be giving the established runners a stern test indeed.

Click here for a closer look at the famous Spa circuit layout.

Nissan GT-R Returns to Spa 24 Hours

This coming weekend NISSAN brings its iconic GT-R back to the Spa 24 Hours, scene of the firm’s dominant win in the grueling event in 1991, earned with the R32 Skyline GT-R Group A car.

For the first time in its history, the road-going version of the NISSAN GT-R (R35) is being sold in Europe, and after an absence of 17 years, the racing return of the ultra-successful badge is sure to stir the hearts of both racing and GT-R fans alike in one of the continent’s most prestigious and historic endurance events.

Since shakedown in December of 2008, the GT-R has completed over 10,000 kms’ testing, including its pair of appearances in the FIA GT Championship, and is now fully prepared for its biggest challenge of the current season. The new car’s outings in the European-based GT championship are a precursor to a full assault on the series next season. Its recent entry at the Oschersleben (Germany) FIA GT event was a good simulation for the Spa 24 Hours and its notoriously changeable weather, the car showing a great deal of potential in the tricky conditions.

Equally impressive for the Belgian event is the driver lineup, with NISSAN stalwart Michael Krumm (Germany) partnering endurance specialist Darren Turner (UK) and ex-F1 driver Anthony Davidson (UK) in the GT machine.

Belgium’s Circuit de Spa Francorchamps is one of Europe’s most venerable racetracks, with a history to match. The Spa 24 Hours was first run just one year after the famous Le Mans 24 Hours got its start, back in 1924.

Until 2000, the Spa 24 Hours was a race for touring cars, and made the switch to the more powerful GT (Grand Touring) category in 2001, since when it has also been a part of the FIA GT Championship.

Driver comments:

Michael Krumm
“Spa is one of the most challenging tracks in the world. Full concentration is required on every corner here not to make a mistake. Because many corners are extremely high-speed, a mistake normally means the end of the race. Hence to race for over 24 hours at Spa is extremely exciting. Our target is of course to make it over the whole distance, not an easy target for a new car, but we will do everything in our power to achieve that goal. The Nissan GT-R is getting faster and more reliable at each event and so we hope to make another step forward for this all-important race at Spa!”

Darren Turner
“This is the second time I’ve raced at Spa this year and it’s always good to come back as it’s such a fantastic circuit. I’m really pleased that Anthony is joining us; we work together extremely well and I know he will very much enjoy working with Michael too. Spa is going to be a big task for us but we will do everything we can to make sure the Nissan GT-R has a successful Spa 24 Hours.”

Anthony Davidson
“I am looking forward to this years Spa 24 Hours race, driving the new Nissan GT-R with the Gigawave / NISSAN Motorsport Team. Endurance racing of this length offers an interesting challenge for everyone involved, and it will be good to get back behind the wheel – particularly as Spa has always been a circuit I enjoy.”