De La Torre Aston Retains SprintX Pole Amid Controversy

Photo: Brian Cleary/BCPix.com

The No. 4 De La Torre Racing Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 of Lars Viljoen has retained the pole for this afternoon’s inaugural Pirelli World Challenge SprintX round at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, following a series of inquires and initial confusion.

Viljoen’s run was initially under question due to the fact that SprintX rules require the designated “sportsman” driver to qualify the car.

Per FIA driver ratings, Viljoen is Bronze-rated, although co-driver Jorge De La Torre did not have a driver classification from the governing body as of Friday.

According to a PWC representative, inquires were made overnight to the SRO and FIA, with De La Torre having been confirmed also as a Bronze.

With both drivers Bronze-rated, the team therefore has the choice to select the qualifying driver.

An initial report, supplied by PWC, late Friday that put the Mills Racing BMW Z4 GT3 on pole was incorrect, per the series.

Race 1 gets underway Saturday at 5:45 p.m. ET.

RESULTS: Grid Race 1

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John