Intro:

Belgian driver Laurens Vanthoor and forner Le Mans winner Stephane Ortelli, secured victory in the opening race of the 2012 FIA GT1 World Championship at Nogaro in France on Monday.

Script:

It's the first time the opening race of the GT1 World Championship season has not taken place at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.

Eighteen cars representing nine manufacturers took part in the race, including six new manufacturers and seven new teams.

Oliver Jarvis and Frank Stippler made it a one-two for Audi by taking second place.

While Third place went to Tomas Enge and Albert von Thurn und Taxis driving for Lamborghini.

But the day was all about the Audis as Ortelli and Vanthoor got their season off to the perfect start

Vanthoor with his first championship race win was quick tio dedicate it to his father.

The championship continues in Zolder in Belgium on April 20th.