Just one race and five points separates 8Star Motorsports from championship glory in the 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship.
Sitting five points behind the LMGTE Am Teams’ Trophy leaders, Aston Martin Racing, 8Star Motorsports will be hoping that the momentum will be with them after victory in the previous round in Shanghai. Meanwhile, drivers Enzo Potolicchio and Rui Aguas are just 9 points behind the lead in the LMGTE Am Drivers’ Trophy, also lead by Aston Martin.
If the 8Star team can finish on the top step of the podium, with the #96 Aston Martin finishing third or lower, will deliver the title to Potolicchio and Aguas, while the win alone will be enough to secure the Teams’ title to the orange #81 Ferrari.
“The win in China put us back in contention for the championship and we just have to continue doing our jobs this weekend,” said Potolicchio.
“Our pit stops were amazing in Shanghai. We gained a lot of time. I think the whole team is pushing hard to have another perfect race and come home with the win. We’re all at our best levels heading into Bahrain. It’s a good time to be at your best to finish the season strong.
“Bahrain is a track I like,” continued Potolicchio, who could become the first back-to-back WEC champion after winning the LMP2 title in 2012.
“I was really fast here in the LMP2 car last year. We were leading the race until the final pit stop when there was a starter motor issue due to the heat. But we finished on the podium anyways. This time, I think we will be fine. The Ferrari was also good there last year. It’s a kind of track that the Ferrari likes, with the change in direction and long corners.”