FIA GT Championship, Round Three,  Silverstone –May 13 – 15, 2005. “That was a great race. I was pleased to be achieving a competitive pace and equalling some of the  overall  quickest race lap times that matched  the pace of  my senior team mates.” said Chris Buncombe.

“I must say our Pirelli tyres were fantastically consistent too  which  really  helped  ”  he  added,  “I  believe  that  I  am  now  gaining  the  confidence required to show what I can do in this fabulous car as my race pace showed.”  

Philipp Peter had started the No 16 JMB Racing Maserati MC 12 GT1 from the 5th row of the grid, before handing over the car to Chris Buncombe at the first round of pit stops. Chris continued making good progress up the leader board before handing over the car to their other team mate, Roman Rusinov for the final stint.

The two works entered Aston Martin DBR9 cars, making their European race debut in this historic race celebrating the centenary  of  the  RAC  Tourist  Trophy  finished  in  first  and  second  position  overall  but were not eligible for Championship points.

Chris Buncombe’s car thus earned points for a  net  6th  place,  despite  finishing  8th  overall,  which  maintains  his  place  as  the  leading British driver in this year’s FIA GT1 championship.  

Commenting after the race, Chris Buncombe said “Unfortunately our car was awarded a drive  through  penalty  for  exceeding  the  pit  lane  speed  limit  earlier  in  the  race,  (this meant I had to drive through the pits again soon after I took over the car) – otherwise I am sure we would have netted an even higher finishing place, probably close enough to have been knocking on a podium position.” However I know the Maserati MC 12 GT1 and the JMB Race Team are competitve and I can’t wait for the next race at Imola in two weeks time!”