Dominant One-Two 24H Dubai Finish For Team WRT

BMW dominated the 24-hour race in Dubai, securing the first two positions. However, it was very close to the Bavarian manufacturer claiming all three spots on the podium.

Photo: 24H Series gallery

The 21st edition of the Michelin 24H Dubai endurance race, an integral part of the 24H Series, was won by Team WRT with its BMW M4 GT3 EVO cars. Until the final moments, it looked as though BMW would lock out the entire podium, but with less than half an hour remaining, the #992 crew was forced to retire from third place due to a puncture and brake system issues. As a result, the final podium place went to the #16 Mercedes of Winward Racing, driven by Sergey Stolyarov, Daan Arrow, Maro Engel, and Luca Stolz.

  

Even the winner was not decided until the very end, as following the final Code 60 period it was unclear whether the leading BMW #669 would still need to pit for fuel.

“I think we had a bit of, let’s say, safety margin to our sister car, so it was cool to do that [take a risk and not pit again] and see the reward out of it as well,”

“For sure not pushing flat out at the end but, when you’re driving to a fuel target, you’re still pushing to save and hit a number.

“They gave me some targets and I was able to hit more of a target than what was given to me and, ultimately, in the end, it made the difference,” South African driver Jordan Pepper told to Sportscar365.com after the race. He took turns behind the wheel with GT3 star Kelvin van der Linde but also with Ben Tuck, Fran Rueda, Anthony McIntosh.

With a one-lap deficit, their teammates Stanislav Minsky, Mathieu Vincent Detry, Thomas Kiefer, Julian Hanses, and Christopher Haase finished second in the #27 car.

The 24H Series will return to Europe on March 22, heading to the Italian circuit of Mugello, where a 12-hour race will be on the schedule.