Dubai, 12 February 2022 |
In a very straightforward race, neutralised only by two Full Course
Yellows, the Ferraris always occupied the podium positions and
led the race for long stretches. Rinaldi Racing’s 488 GT3 Evo 2020
and AF Corse’s number 17 were among the leading lights in the
GT3 class. |
After taking the lead with Grunewald, the AF Corse APM Monaco car lost it at the first stop when, due to an
incorrect alignment at the start, it had to make a 10-second stop before the mechanics could perform the
pit stop. At the wheel of the Rinaldi Racing unit, Mastronardi took advantage of the situation to build up a
15-second lead, an advantage he passed on to Perel. After the penalty, Prette produced an excellent
comeback that put the Ferrari back in second even though, behind him, the McLaren of Inception Racing,
with Barnicoat in the first of two stints, succeeded in moving ahead of the former Ferrari Challenge Trofeo
Pirelli champion. Shortly after mid-race, the McLaren took the lead, getting the better of the Rinaldi Racing
car. Then, at the end, another British car, this time from Optimum Motorsport, challenged Abril for the
bottom step of the podium. However, the Frenchman managed to fend off his rivals’ attacks, thus
successfully completing his defence of third position. |