The 21-lap race at the Autodromo de Interlagos presented the Top 24 EMEA Superstars with their final opportunity to pick up bonus points in the 2018 FIA Gran Turismo Manufacturer Series. As only three drivers are selected for each marque to head to the October finals, it was a vitally important race for those in Citroën, Nissan and Mercedes machines.

At just over 2.5 miles (4 km) long, drivers had ample time to set a hot lap during the 15-minute Qualifying session. Most drivers looked comfortable setting 1:32s but JAdams2010 (Mitsubishi) produced a 1:31.994 midway through the session to show the rest of the field how to really fly around Interlagos. It wasn’t until the final two minutes that other drivers managed to get below the 1:32 barrier, derek737_DK_ (Volkswagen) taking the last pole of the season with a 1:31.857. It was the closest session of the season, under a second splitting the entire grid.

The lights went out and the field roared to life, RC_Zoky88 (Dodge) screaming into the lead as derek737_DK_ (Volkswagen) played it safe off the line. Williams_Coque14 (Renault) and JAdams2010 (Mitsubishi) made it five cars within just a few tenths of each other as lap two began, with RC_Zoky88 (Dodge) seemingly holding them up derek737_DK_ (Volkswagen) wrestled his GTI VGT up the inside and took the lead.

Drama unfolded behind as Williams_Coque14 (Renault) spun out of third, moving JAdams2010 (Mitsubishi) provisionally onto the podium. With fellow Renault driver Alexony94 (Renault) down in 20th, Williams_Coque14 (Renault) had some breathing room. Special attention was on force_ewerby (Mercedes) and kie25 (Mercedes) with only 100 points splitting the pair in the battle for Mercedes honours. force_ewerby (Mercedes) held a healthy advantage for most of the race. There was no such comfort for Oscaro_Ugo (Nissan) and TRL_LIGHTNING (Nissan) as their battle for top Nissan got physical on multiple occasions.

Lap eight saw RC_Zoky88 (Dodge) come under increasing pressure from the Lancer Evo of JAdams2010 (Mitsubishi), the Mitsubishi man eventually forcing his way up and into second as derek737_DK_ (Volkswagen) scampered away into the lead. The lead allowed derek737_DK_ (Volkswagen) to consider a one-stop strategy, able to ease off to help save fuel and tyres. Easing off was the last thing on the minds of RC_Zoky88 (Dodge) and rick-918-bmx (Porsche) as they duked it out for the final steps of the podium as the race approached its halfway point and pit stops loomed.

derek737_DK_ (Volkswagen) was the first to dive into the pits while the rest of the top ten elected to remain out. With the remainder of the field pitting the following lap, derek737_DK_ (Volkswagen) regained his lead ahead of JAdams2010 (Mitsubishi) as mclaren6 (Chevrolet) found himself in third after what seemed a tactical master stroke.

As the podium battle escaped ahead, RC_Zoky88 (Dodge) frantically looked for a way past rick-918-bmx (Porsche) and eventually found it on lap 13. This left the Viper driver with a three second gap to close. mclaren6’s (Chevrolet) dream run seemed over when he dove into the pits for a second time and re-joined the race in 19th.

RC_Zoky88 (Dodge) and rick-918-bmx (Porsche) were inseparable as the race approached its end, derek737_DK_ (Volkswagen) and JAdams2010 (Mitsubishi) looking safe in first and second respectively. Try as he might, rick-918-bmx (Porsche) could not do more than show RC_Zoky88 (Dodge) the nose of his Porsche. The action was just as exciting further down the field as TRL_LIGHTNING (Nissan) looked to put cars between himself and Oscaro_Ugo (Nissan), frantic passing ensued as the tight-group bounced off each other.

With all the action behind, derek737_DK_‘s (Volkswagen) incredible drive went almost unnoticed as his GTI VGT crossed the line over two seconds ahead of the next driver. A haul of 8,621 points a just reward for the Czech driver’s impeccable efforts. Should Volkswagen qualify for the Manufacturer Series, derek737_DK_ will surely represent them.

Despite his penalty, Adams2010’s (Mitsubishi) second place was safe from RC_Zoky88 (Dodge). The pair did well, but were unable to close the gap to within two seconds of the lead.

Oscaro_SkyPikmin (Lexus) was the biggest benefactor from penalties, jumping up to fourth place and ahead of leading Mercedes force_ewerby (Mercedes) in fifth.

rick-918-bmx (Porsche), TgTenka (Subaru), Williams_Coque14 (Renault), Jomas_74 (Jaguar) and Oscaro_MansoN (Citroën) formed a top ten dictated by penalties.

Now it’s time to see which manufacturers will head through to the season finals in October and who will have the honour of representing them.