Zandvoort, 10th and 11th of October 2009 – Following the vice-championship in the FIA GT4 European Cup, Donkervoort Racing was invited to a guest race during the Tango Dutch GT4 finale races at Circuitpark Zandvoort, The Netherlands. This guest race, and test case at the same time, took place last weekend. The three Donkervoort D8GT4’s were driven by famous Dutch race car driver Peter Kox and European GT4 driver Nico Pronk, the French team consisting of French rally champion Thomas Loussier and European GT4 driver Stéphane Wintenberger and factory driver Denis Donkervoort.

The guest race in the Tango Dutch GT4 was a good test case for Donkervoort. For the first time, the team could drive on complete slick tires provided by Michelin, opposite the Pirelli profile tires which are driven with in the light weight class of the GT4 European Cup. Obviously, this meant future prospects on a lot of development during the finale races at Zandvoort. With this in mind, the development team was expanded with the experienced race car driver Peter Kox, known for among others victories in long distance races and as a test driver for Lamborghini and Aston Martin.

Unfortunately, the discovery was soon made that the granted Michelin slick tires were developed for the over two times heavier weighing competing GT’s like Aston Martin, Porsche and BMW with weights over 1500 kilograms against the 750 kilograms weighing Donkervoort D8GT. Only after half an hour did the tires show any temperature increase. The two sprint races of 25 minutes were therefore immediately considered a lost cause.  All hopes were therefore aimed at the main race of 50 minutes.

Heads were put together by Peter Kox and the Donkervoort engineering team. For the 50 minutes lasting main race three totally different set-ups were chosen for the three D8GT’s. The set-up of Denis Donkervoorts car turned out to give the best possible result. Denis managed to work his way through the field from a 15th starting position up to an 8th position and even drove the fastest lap in the second half of the race. Peter Kox managed to drive from a 21st to a 12th position, after which he passed the steering wheel to Nico Pronk, who made his racing debut this season. As the race proceeded, the set-up of the Pronk/Kox car turned out to be insufficient and they ended up 16th while fighting until the last second. The French team turned out to have the wrong set-up and had to forfeit the race prematurely.

Despite the disappointing results, Donkervoort Racing has gained a lot of useful experience during the past weekend. This has resulted in a secure feeling when looking forward to the participation in the 24 Hours of Dubai.

24 Hours of Dubai
All developments and experiences of the past seasons in the FIA GT4 European Cup and the races in the Tango Dutch GT4 will be incorporated in the brand new Donkervoort D8GT(4) 2010. This new D8GT(4) will be driven for the first time during the 24 Hours of Dubai on January 14, 15 and 16 in 2010. The car will be driven by Nico Pronk, Peter Kox, Stéphane Wintenberger, Denis Donkervoort and newcomer and vice-champion in the Lamborghini Supertrofeo Marc Hayek.

With the brand new and updated D8GT and these talented drivers, Donkervoort Racing is determined to make the 24 Hours of Dubai into a big success!