With record numbers in attendance across the international racing weekend, motorsport enthusiasts soaked up the winter sunshine in Abu Dhabi as they experienced the 13th edition of the regional endurance classic at Yas Marina Circuit, with thrilling high-speed action throughout.
After an eventful qualifying session that resulted in multiple red flags and subsequent withdrawals by Car Collection Motorsport and 7Tsix, the #99 GruppeM Racing Mercedes-AMG secured pole position and went on to lead from the front of the grid after the race start.
Maro Engel completed GruppeM’s victorious 12-hour stint to crown the German marque as the Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered by Pirelli Manufacturer’s champion of 2023, cruising past title contenders Team WRT in the BMW, who secured a podium finish 12 seconds behind.
Racing legend Valentino Rossi, and teammates Dries Vanthoor and Nick Yelloy, helped the Team WRT finish second in the overall 2023 IGTC standings with manufacturer BMW. Although Rossi missed out on his first Gulf 12 Hours title, the Italian driver reflected positively on the weekend and looks forward to continuing his endurance racing career.
Mercedes-AMG’s second factory team, and back-to-back Gulf 12 Hours winners, 2 Seas Motorsport had suffered an exhaust issue during the race but managed to fight back to an impressive P4, awarding driver Jules Gounon in the #14 Mercedes-AMG GT3, the official 2023 IGTC Drivers Champion title.
The title contentions were lastly decided by Jonathan Hui winning the Independents’ Class with Sky Tempesta Racing.
With the action heating up on track, fans drove in numbers to enjoy the 2-day racing spectacle rounding out their weekend with an immersive motorsport experience, with pit lane walks to catch a glimpse of the Gulf 12 Hours garages to racing simulators to test out their top speed around the Yas Island Track.
The Gulf 12 Hours is set to welcome back motorsport fans for another exhilarating weekend of racing on 15 December 2024. For more information, visit: https://www.yasmarinacircuit.
