Well after months of waiting it finally arrived on Sunday 13th November 2005. The inaugural GP Masters race started under a rolling start and a sell out Kyalami crowd saw history unfold as the UK’s Nigel Mansell successfully used his poll position to keep his car in front of Brazil’s Emerson Fittipaldi in to the first corner. The fans where treated to a real spectacle of a race as the wheel to wheel racing proved that these masters had not lost any of their hunger.
Emerson Fittipaldi pushed Nigel Mansell all the way and tried to take a look around Mansell on a few occasions. However, Mansell and his 600 Bhp 3.5-litre V8 Nicholson McLaren was just too quick. The pressure from Fittipaldi was relentless and lasted all 30 laps of the race. However, after 30 laps it looked like Fittipaldi and Mansell were in a league of their own eventually finishing the race over 20 seconds ahead of the 3rd place finisher Ricardo Patrese. Nigel Mansell took victory over Fittipaldi by less than half a second.
Nigel Mansell said after the race that his poll position was fundamental to his victory, He just didn't give up and nor did I expect him to. I tried to break-away from him but he just kept his nose behind my car and on a couple of occasions made moves on the inside of corners!
Emerson Fittipaldi was quoted saying, An amazing race and one which was a joy to drive! I remember a few years ago when Nigel came over to Indy Cars and the late great Senna told me to watch out for Nigel's car control.
3rd place Ricardo Patrese paid testimony to the car control that was on display and talked of his enjoyment of being racing once again.
So, after the first race we saw Emmo and Nige seemingly dominate the race in Kyalami, and on reflection this may not be too much of a surprise seeing as they both have Cart experience from around the time the Grand Prix Masters cars are based.
Looking forward to the next race what can we expect? Only time will tell, what is known is that this series has all the foundation to be a big success all over the world.
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