Oliphant on top at Yas Marina
dubai — Britain’s Tom Oliphant has boosted his chances of a first series win in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East by winning the second race of Round 4 at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.
The fine victory extends Oliphant’s lead in the championship to 19 points with only four races remaining in Season 9, after nearest challenger Al Faisal Al Zabair of Oman could only manage seventh place finish.
A comfortable Oliphant was followed over the line by Dylan Pereira of Luxembourg in second and Dutch driver Charlie Frijns third after being gifted the opportunity for the win on the opening lap as those around him clashed.
By his own high standards Oliphant endured a frustrating qualifying session to qualify in third on the grid, behind previous race winner Dylan Pereira, who started in pole and close rival Al Faisal in second. But any sign of disappointment was soon forgotten as Oliphant made a strong start to take advantage of a crowded first lap in which he catapulted himself into the lead ahead of Pereira and Al Zubair on the back straight.
While engaged in their own battle for first place the duo of Pereira and Al Faisal managed to outbreak themselves to leave the door open for Oliphant to nip through and steal the lead. A position he didn’t relinquish until the chequered flag, winning by a margin of 1.215 seconds.
Drivers and fans now have slightly over a month to wait before returning to action as the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East enters the all-important final two rounds, both to be staged at the Bahrain International Circuit. The penultimate Round 5 will take place on March 16 and 17.