After a mixed result for Corvette at Spa, the FIA GT season heads to the tight and twisty streets of Bucharest, Romania. The experimental one-hour format, specially designed to suit the city circuit, is likely to give the huge crowds of enthusiastic spectators a fantastic show this year.

It will be the second time the championship heads to Romania. Having moved the event from May to August should guarantee better weather, to the relief of the drivers and crowds alike. And with two opportunities to see the cars race from rolling start to chequered flag (in the qualifying race on Saturday and then the Championship race on Sunday) the variety of GT cars should provide a great show.

As most years, the Total 24 Hours of Spa has had a profound effect on the Championship. Vitaphone Racing Team, in taking its first victory of the season with a one-two, has further strengthened its lead in both the GT1 Teams and Drivers classifications. With a 13-point lead over their team-mates and nearest rivals, 2006 Champions Bartels and Bertolini go into the sixth round certain to retain their lead, no matter what happens in Romania. And with 32.5 points in hand in the teams classification, Phoenix Carsport, Jetalliance and Gigawave will have their work cut out to catch the Germans after their victory at Spa.

The crew of the nr 1 Maserati MC 12 now has a 13-point lead over their nearest rivals, their team-mates Alexander Negrao and Miguel Ramos, who finished second at Spa. Currently third, Phoenix Carsport drivers Fabrizio Gollin and Mike Hezemans are 14.5 points off the lead, their Corvette having suffered a fire in the Belgian Ardennes. Gigawave Motorsport finished third at Spa, and their drivers Allan Simonsen and Philipp Peter are now third overall.

Good news came Monday in the form of Phoenix Carsport leaving their shop on their way to Bucharest. After heavy fires for both cars at Spa, the team had to work overtime up to the very last minute before it was time to leave. Most of the work was done to the chassis 001 car (last years Spa winner and this years #5 car). The #6 car had little work compared to the sister car as most of the cars repairs were made during the race.

"We had this car almost rebuild", said team manager Dirk Theimann."This chassis is probably now more Phoenix than Pratt & Miller." The car was taken back to the shop that night during the race. After Spa, the team is still in second place in the points and is optimistic in the second half of the season.

Christophe Bouchut – nr 3 SRT Corvette C6R:

“Bucarest is an extremely technical circuit in grandiose surroundings, around the famous Parliament building. The circuit is very unforgiving, and no mistakes will be allowed, as the slightly problem will be extremely costly. Like all city tracks, there are walls everywhere, but with some good escape roads. The layout itself is very interesting, with good straights after fast chicanes which make overtaking easier. Everything is in place to give an extra-ordinary show.”

Xavier Maassen - nr 3 SRT Corvette C6R :

"After Spa we are only looking for one thing. A win in Bucharest. It will be a special one driving through the streets of the city…"