8th Place Finish at the Rainy Red Bull Ring
Date: Wednesday, October 15
Event: Gran Turismo World Series Nations Cup Exhibition 3 – Round 1
Car: Red Bull X2019
Track: Red Bull Ring
Driver: Matt Bielman
Conditions: Mixed (Dry → Wet → Dry)
Battling for position on lap 21
Round one of the Gran Turismo World Series – Exhibition 3 Nations Cup kicked off with 30-laps in the Red Bull X2019 at a slippery Red Bull Ring. I qualified 4th in dry conditions, but the skies quickly turned, and rain moved in just before lights out.
Starting on intermediate tires, I held solid pace on a wet but drying circuit. Chaos unfolded early as drivers struggled with grip and contact at turn 4 dropped us to 10th by the end of lap 1. By lap 5, the track had dried enough for slicks, and I pitted from 6th. A clean stint followed — until lap 15, when the rain returned and reshuffled the field. The switch to wets was timed well and I picked up another position as others struggled on slicks.
With six laps to go and intermediates fading fast, I pitted from 5th for softs. But crossing the wet line at pit exit triggered a spin into the grass and a rejoin in 9th. I managed to claw back one more spot in the final laps, finishing 8th. In hindsight, fresh intermediates might’ve held up better and secured a top-five result in this challenging championship opener.
Watch the full race on YouTube
Nations Cup results after one round
