For the final qualifying session of the 2017 World Endurance Championship, Porsche LMP1 Team end their four year campaign with a pole position as they stole it from Toyota’s grasp in the last moments of the session.
Zaid Ashkanani on impressive form as he secures back-to-back pole positions in Bahrain.
Season 6 champion holds upper hand for opening race of the new calendar.
Next year’s entry list for the first winter season of the World Endurance Championship is starting to take shape, with Clearwater Racing confirming they will submit for entry in the 2018/19 season.
Ahead of qualifying, Porsche LMP1 team took their first one-two of the weekend. Jackie Chan DC Racing also came through on the pace, dominating the top of LMP2. Ferrari had the edge in the GTE classes, with AF Corse and Clearwater Racing taking the lead in their respective classes.
American driver Will Owen has been retained by United Autosports’ LMP2 team for its second season in ELMS.
British driver well placed ahead of season opening race of the 2017/18 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East calendar.
Toyota Gazoo Racing, Vaillante Rebellion and Aston Martin Racing locked out the top two spots of their respective classes in the second practice session whilst Ferrari had a one-two in Am.
Toyota lead a one-two at the beginning of practice, but it’s close between Porsche and them. A delayed session that lasted 120 minutes at chequered flag suggested that the racing should be close in the last race of the season in all classes.
Having claimed both Drivers and Teams title, the Porsche LMP1 outfit prepare for their final LMP1 race as they’re pulling out next year.
The #7 Toyota has had a rough season so far, but will be looking to finish the 2017 on a strong result as they prepare for a year without Porsche.
Team owner Bob Stallings is excited with what the future holds despite the doors closing on his race team ahead of next season.
The Lola Technical Centre is to be put up for sale, housing Lola’s wind tunnel, seven-post rig and model shop.
The Toyota #8 crew will look to end the 2017 FIA WEC season with their third win in a row, beating Porsche on total victories.
Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East competitors set for new season following Bahrain test
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Ninth season of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East kicks off in a supporting role with the FIA World Endurance Championship at the Bahrain International Circuit.
The #31 Vaillante Rebellion squad has performed a remarkable comeback in order to take the lead of the LMP2 Endurance standings coming into the Bapco 6 Hours of Bahrain. The Swiss team hold a slender four point advantage over #38 Jota Sport Jackie Chan DC Racing entry.
Ford Chip Ganassi duo of Andy Priaulx and Harry Tincknall are placing their hopes on a recent test in Bahrain that will help them overcome their outsider chances in the three-way FIA WEC GT title showdown at the Bapco 6 Hours of Bahrain.
