GTE Pro is set for a final race after a decade of stellar competition.
The all-Pro GTE class has given endurance racing some amazing racing, and amazing storylines since its inception in 2011.
It’s therefore entirely appropriate that the classes final bow will be taken in a race where the World Championship is up for grabs between the two greatest competitors of the age: Ferrari and Porsche.
Reigning Champions Alessandro Pier Guidi and James Calado arrive in Bahrain in there #51 AF Corse Ferrari 488 GTE with an 11 point advantage over their closest title rivals, and 2021 sparring partners, Kevin Estre and Michael Christensen in the #92 Porsche Team 911 RSR.
With additional points in Bahrain for the 8 hour finale, the gap between those awarded for the win, and for second is… 11 points. How important then could the point for Pole be?
Porsche are fired up for the fight after the controversies of the finale last season and they bring a pair of Porsches decorated with a ‘Goodbye’ tribute livery, the cars carrying each of the colours featured on the factory cars that came before, plus the names of the drivers that have formed part of the fabulous storylines for the class thus far and the details of 16 class wins scored with the cars in factory hands.
As for AF Corse, Alessandro Pier Guidi and James Calado are searching for back to back GTE Pro titles and AF Corse’s 31st GTE Pro victory in the FIA WEC.
Gianmaria Bruni in the 391 Porahe is still in with a mathematical shout too in the title stakes should the top two hit trouble.
Ahead of the weekend, the Ferrari 488 GTE Evo has had a power reduction, the Porsches remain untouched by the fickle finger of BoP fate.
Let’s not forget either the Corvette C8.R, Nick Tandy will drive the Monza-winning #64 for what looks set to be his final race for the American manufacturer ahead of a predicted move back to Porsche for GTP duty!
As for the title battle, 2021 saw unprecedented emotion post-race, and some of that needle has continued into and through the 2022 season, if the contenders go wheel to wheel there’s going to be a tile chance of any quarter being given. Place your bets!
