The first round of the South American leg of the GT1 World Championship was held in Brazil from November 26 to 28. The event was the ninth in the GT1 calendar, and was held at Interlagos, a dynamic circuit also used for Formula 1, located 30 minutes' drive from Sao Paulo.

Brazil, located in the southern hemisphere, welcomed the start of summer with temperatures close to 30 degrees Celsius, and sun blazing down on the circuit. For many of the European-based GT1 teams, this was the first time they had raced in South America in these conditions.

Racing for the first time at Interlagos, Seiji Ara said, "I am impressed with the layout, the hills and the undulations, it feels like a dynamic circuit. However the road surface is very slippery, and hard on the tyres. If you can get the right setup it is a very enjoyable track."

Michael Krumm in the #23 GT-R said, "In order to get a good result in the GT1 race this weekend, it is essential to get a good position in qualifying," he followed this up with fifth on the grid for the Qualifying Race.

On the other hand, Max Nilsson in the #4 GT-R started the Qualifying Race in 21st place after the qualifying session. He had a smooth start and entered the pits for the driver change in 15th place. Ara took the wheel and the team finished in 13th.

Warren Hughes in the #22 GT-R started the Qualifying Race in 12th spot, but after making contact with another car, spun and dropped back to 22nd. Campbell-Walter took over in 16th place and was able to improve on that to finish 14th.

Krumm temporarily dropped back to 7th position to avoid the confusion at the start, but soon recovered and entered the pits in 4th. Dumbreck took over the driving and swapped places with the Lamborghini to take 3rd. He was able to move forward one more position to reach the chequered flag in 2nd place.

SUMO POWER GT, lying 3rd in the Team championship, increased their points tally after they finished 2nd in the Qualifying Race. However, to improve their position further they need to win the Championship Race.

Karl Wendllinger in the #3 GT-R said, "The car felt good after the driver switch in the pit-stop. Unfortunately though, after 6 laps the grip on the rear tyres was almost gone, and for the last three laps it was completely gone so it was a tough race."

The Championship Race was held on 11/28. The weather was fair, and each team had to focus on their tyre management. The picture is of the lead car, the Nissan 370Z, in front of the field.

Dumbreck in the #23 GT-R got off to a good start from 2nd on the grid, and slotted in right behind the pole-sitting Aston Martin. Dumbreck then made his pit stop from 2nd place, and entrusted the rest to Krumm, who took a little too long getting out of the pit, and dropped back to 5th.

The #23 GT-R hung close to the top group, but a chance to move up never came, and in the final lap was overtaken by another car and finished in 6th place.

Swiss Racing Team's Wendlinger (#3) needed time to get out of the race's crowded middle group. After taking over in the second half, Henri Moser posted lap times equal to the top group. They finished in 18th.

Starting for the #4 GT-R, Seiji Ara drove prudently and avoided contact. He was aiming to move up, but was penalized for speeding when coming into the pit and dropped back. After switching in Nilsson the car finished in 16th.

Krumm said regretfully, "we weren't able to get the points we had hoped for, which is unfortunate." His team moved back to 4th overall in the championship, but moving up 2 positions in the final round is entirely possible. After clearing his head he looked towards the next destination, Argentina.