MANAMA — Robert De Haan of the Netherlands claimed a significant victory in the second race of the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East at the Bahrain International Circuit, coinciding with the Bapco Energies 8 Hours of Bahrain event.
According to Bahrain News Agency, De Haan, who started in the second position on the grid, surged to the lead on the fifth lap and maintained his advantage, crossing the finish line 1.262 seconds ahead of German pole-sitter Theo Oeverhaus. This triumph was a comeback for De Haan, who had to settle for third place in the first race due to a time penalty despite finishing first.
Janne Stiak from Germany completed the podium by securing third place, 3.767 seconds adrift of the winner. In the ProAm category, Ahmad Al Shehab of Team Kuwait emerged victorious, finishing fourth overall. Canadian Bashar Mardini and Saud Al Saud took the second and third places in their class.
Sebastian Gorga from Italy celebrated a double victory in the Am class over the weekend, with local racers Shaikh Jaber bin Ali Al Khalifa and Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa rounding out the podium.
The racing series is scheduled to continue with its second round at the same circuit on December 15 and 16, followed by events in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and will conclude with two rounds held alongside the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Fans Gather at Bahrain Circuit for WEC Festivities
Amidst the racing action, a significant number of fans flocked to the Bahrain International Circuit for a World Endurance Championship pit walk and autograph session, engaging with teams, cars, and championship drivers.
Bahrain Circuit Prepares for FIA WEC Rookie Test
Following the Bapco Energies 8 Hours of Bahrain, the Bahrain International Circuit is set to host the official FIA WEC Rookie Test on Sunday. The test will feature a roster of 18 cars, with nine Hypercars, five LMP2s, and four LMGTE Ams, and will include over 30 drivers, from established stars to promising newcomers.
Highlighting the roster of participants is seven-time MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi, who is slated to test an LMP2 vehicle with Team WRT. Alongside him, notable figures such as Stoffel Vandoorne, Pietro Fittipaldi, and Ben Barnicoat will be present to test in the Hypercar category.