Paolo Ruberti and Matteo Malucelli secured themselves second place in the 2008 FIA GT2 Championship after a quiet run to sixth place in the final round of the season in Argentina.

Although they would finish 32.5 points adrift of champions Toni Vilander and Gianmaria Bruni, sixth place for Ruberti and Malucelli was enough for them to resist Richard Westbrook in his Porsche.

The Italian pair, driving the Pirelli-shod and sponsored BMS Scuderia Italia Ferrari 430GT, made things difficult for themselves though, when their podium hopes disappeared with a pit-lane entry infringement.

Nonetheless, following a season in which they won the blue riband Spa 24-Hours race, Ruberti was delighted with the final result.

'The title of vice-champion in a highly competitive championship like FIA GT brings a great satisfaction. We obtained points in all the races and we managed a historic victory at Spa, a second place and three thirds.

“By considering also the podium at Le Mans, I realise that this season has been very positive. Thanks to the crucial help of all the men of the team and, obviously, to my crew-mate. I would like to send them all my best thank you for always working with great enthusiasm and maximum professionalism.”