The fast evolving Gulf 12 Hours endurance race is set for its third running this December as teams from all over the world descend on the stunning Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi for arguably one of the most glamorous endurance races in the world. The third Gulf 12 Hours, which will be held from 11-13 December, will build further on the previous two events with the addition of an accompanying race, the final round of the Maserati Trofeo MC International Series. Having made its debut in January 2012, a second Gulf 12 Hours event was held last December due to popular demand. Feedback from participating teams and attending journalists heralded the Gulf 12 Hours as an ‘instant classic’ on the international motor racing calendar after just two years.
The ground-breaking event follows a special two-part format which sees competitors fight for victory over separate six hour races, separated by a two hour break in which teams can work on their cars. The second half of the event encapsulates the full excitement of endurance racing with day and night racing as the Yas Marina floodlights illuminate the spectacular Yas Marina setting.
Gulf 12 Hours organisers will accommodate a total of over sixty cars in the garages at Yas Marina, including those taking part in the Maserati Trofeo, which will make this year’s event one of the largest non-F1 races to be held at the impressive Abu Dhabi circuit.
The final entry list will be published at the beginning of October but some of the world’s most prestigious automotive names are expected to be represented, including Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren Mercedes and Porsche. The race will feature an eclectic mix of GT3, GT4, Porsche Cup and CN2 prototype cars with many returning teams eager for victory at Yas Marina.
Of those entries already confirmed, winners of both previous Gulf 12 Hours, AF Corse, will be aiming to make it three in a row as it enters an impressive six Ferrari 458 Italia cars. Kessel Racing, the Swiss team that has also successfully taken part in both previous Gulf 12 Hours events, will also be fighting for victory with three confirmed Ferrari 458 Italia cars. Black Falcon Racing will be hoping to mount a challenge to the Ferrari teams. Winners of this year’s Dubai 24 Hours and Nuerburgring 24 Hours, the German team entered one car in the Gulf 12 Hours last December and will be doubling its effort for this year’s event, entering two Mercedes SLS.
