The Hankook 6H Abu Dhabi ended with a commanding victory for Austrian team Baron Motorsport.
Debuting Baron Motorsport Ferrari Takes 6H Abu Dhabi Pole
The race took part within the framework of the 24H Series powered by Hankook, but does not count towards the standings in the renowned endurance series, which is organised by Creventic. As the fastest car in qualifying, pole-sitters Baron Motorsport were able to defend their lead at the start. Their fiercest rival in the opening stages of the race was the Lamborghini Huracán GT3 of the LP Racing team. However, the Italian crew then had to retire with a technical issue just two hours into the race.
As the race progressed, the Ferrari 488 GT3 controlled the field with some flawless stints and perfect tactics. Taking pit stops into consideration, they almost always led the race. After the fifth and final stop, Axcil Jefferies took the wheel and brought the car home unchallenged to claim victory at the 5.28-kilometer Yas Marina Circuit. He was followed home, with a one lap deficit, by the JR Motorsport team from the Netherlands. Drivers Ted van Vliet and Max Weering had started the race from seventh place in the number 2 BMW M6 GT3, but consistently fought their way through the field and were rewarded with a fine second place. Third place went to the Porsche 911 GT3 R of Dutch team Saalocin by KoxRacing.
Manfred Sandbichler, Hankook Motorsport Director Europe congratulated Baron Motorsport on their victory. The team had a great car in the Ferrari 488 GT3 and made perfect use of the Hankook Ventus Race. The BMW M6 GT3 in second place and the Porsche 911 GT3 R in third were also very fast. All the competitors produced outstanding motorsport, and the different pit stop strategies made the race very interesting right down to the finish.
