The countdown has begun to the 2019 Gulf 12 Hours, with exactly one month until the ninth edition of the famed endurance race is run at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi (13-14 December 2019).
With the teams’ entry list now confirmed, and driver nominations open, the 2019 endurance race will be the largest field of cars to date with 37, including an expected four GT3 Pro cars to lead the field with a mix of manufacturers; AMG Mercedes, Audi, Ferrari and Porsche.
The longest racing event held on the UAE’s Formula 1 circuit – just two weeks after this year’s Formula 1 grand finale – the 2019 grid welcomes this year’s Spa 24 Hour winners GPX Racing for Porsche, Attempto Racing for Audi, HTP Motorsport for Mercedes-AMG and Ferrari stalwarts Kessel Racing, winners of the last four editions of the Gulf 12 Hours.
In 2018, the #11 Kessel Racing Ferrari 488 GT3 beat rivals Audi and McLaren in a three-way battle to claim a fourth consecutive victory. While this year, along with the potential to field a Pro class entry, the Italian team will have their operation headlined by the addition of Monster VR46 Kessel and seven-time MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi in a Ferrari 488 GT3.
“In the past we have announced a maximum of 34 cars, however with strong interest and numerous requests for more participation, we have tried to accommodate some additional entries in the spirit of growing the endurance race,” said Gulf 12 Hours promoter, Andrea Ficarelli. “We’re very happy with the quality of teams and manufacturer represented and look forward to welcoming all of our teams to the UAE in a few weeks’ time.”
The ninth edition of the Gulf 12 Hours, which comprises of two six-hour races, will take place on Saturday 14 December 2018. Testing, practice, and qualifying sessions will be held in the two days prior the race.