Porcu’s complete campaign, Masse’s relentless consistency, and FMG’s fightback define a vintage year
Six weekends, two continents, and one of the most enjoyable seasons the THR paddock has staged. From Monza’s old‑school draft battles to the concrete canyons of Long Beach and the high‑commitment sweepers of Watkins Glen, the 1979 calendar asked everything of the drivers: precision, race‑craft, patience and pace. With the drop‑score rule in effect (each driver’s worst finish discarded) and the 40‑37‑34‑31‑30‑29… points system, the title picture swung back and forth until the American finale.
The big picture
Champion: Simone Porcu — 194 pts
Porcu’s season had the ring of inevitability about it: wins at Monza, Jarama, and a title‑sealing masterclass at Watkins Glen, backed by second places at Hockenheim and Monaco. His Long Beach DNS became the perfect drop. The clincher came in the U.S., where he led from the front and signed off with the poise of a champion.
Runner‑up: Florian Masse — 176 pts
No wins, but competitive everywhere. Back‑to‑back seconds to open the year (Monza, Long Beach), a podium at Hockenheim, and resilient scoring across the calendar—only Monaco (DNF) interrupted the rhythm. The hallmark of his year was pressure without waste: he was almost always the first car in the leader’s mirrors.
Third overall: FMG — 166 pts
A season of momentum. After a zero in Italy, FMG rebuilt with a podium at Jarama, a statement win at Hockenheim, and solid points in Monaco and Watkins Glen. On raw pace he often matched the title protagonists; the difference was the early stumble he ultimately had to drop.
Fourth & fifth: gilvil77 (160 pts) and Richard Rossier (142 pts)
gilvil77 was the story-maker—front‑row pace and a door‑to‑door edge, capped by a Monaco podium and a superb run to second at the Glen. Rossier, meanwhile, was the quiet constant: smart race management and clean execution kept the Swiss Buddy Racing driver in the top five at year’s end.
Round‑by‑round: how the title was won
- Monza – Porcu draws first blood
Calm from pole, fastest lap for emphasis, and a decisive response when the elastic stretched mid‑race. It set the tone: if you wanted this title, you had to beat the No. 1 on merit. - Long Beach – Jayden HW arrives with a bang
A street‑racing clinic from pole to flag. Masse kept him honest, and the first hints of the year’s patterns emerged: Porcu’s DNS became his drop, Masse banked big points, and FMG’s P4 steadied the ship. - Jarama – Porcu’s precision
A race that rewarded rhythm. Porcu executed it perfectly under shadow from Masse, while FMG pieced together the tidy podium that put him into the title conversation. - Hockenheim – FMG’s day
Pole, control, and the nerve to resist Porcu’s fastest‑lap charge over the final tours. The victory knotted the chase behind the leader and confirmed FMG’s late‑season form. - Monaco – Jayden again; gilvil77 stars
Clean air wins in Monte Carlo; Jayden made no mistakes and set the tempo. Behind, gilvil77 fought through the chaos for the podium while Porcu banked second‑place championship points. - Watkins Glen – The coronation
Porcu’s wire‑to‑wire authority settled the math and the mood. gilvil77 and Masse finished line‑astern behind, but the No. 1’s control was never in question.
By the numbers
- Winners: Porcu (3), Jayden HW (2), FMG (1).
- Most podiums: Porcu & Masse.
- Comeback drive of the year: gilvil77’s recovery runs at Monza and his robust podium in Monaco.
- Title margin (after drop‑score): Porcu by 18 over Masse; 10 from Masse to FMG.
Congratulations & thanks from THR Orga
On behalf of THR Orga, congratulations to our championship podium:
🥇 Simone Porcu — 1979 THR F1 Champion
🥈 Florian Masse — Runner‑up
🥉 FMG — Third overall
A heartfelt thank you to every driver who turned laps with us this season—whether you contested every round or dropped in for a few, you made the grid deeper and the racing better. Your racecraft, patience with traffic, and good humour in the voice channels are what make this series special.
From Monza to Watkins Glen, you gave us six weekends of exactly why we race: close fights, clean respect, and just enough chaos to keep the stories coming. We can’t wait to see you back on the grid for the next chapter. Until then - keep it pinned, keep it tidy, and see you in the warm‑up!
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