In an electrifying finale of the FIA World Endurance Championship, the ‘8 Hours of Bahrain’, Angolan driver Rui Andrade, alongside his Polish and Swiss teammates Robert Kubica and Louis Delétraz, raced their way to a historic victory in the LMP2 class. With an impressive accumulation of 173 points from a clean sweep of six races, the triumphant trio not only reigned supreme at the championship but were also crowned European champions in 2021.
A Victory for Angola and the Sport
Ramiro Barreira, the president of the Angolan Motor Sports Federation, offered his heartfelt congratulations to Andrade and his team for their achievement. The victory, he noted, was an honour not just for the individuals involved but also for their respective countries, particularly Angola, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s sporting history.
Historic Win for Women in Motorsport
The championship also witnessed an unprecedented victory for the all-female crew, Iron Dames, comprising Sarah Bovy, Michelle Gatting, and Rahel Frey. Their victory in the GTE class was not only a testament to their skill and determination but also a significant step forward in promoting gender equality in motorsport.
End of an Era, Beginning of Another
The race signified the end of the GTE era, with the FIA announcing that the LMP2 class would be phased out from 2024, making way for more Hypercars on the grid. The GTE class will be replaced with a new LMGT3 formula based on the FIA GT3 regulations, marking a new chapter in the championship’s history.
In the face of these imminent changes, Andrade, Kubica, and Delétraz’s victory gains even more significance. The team’s strategic brilliance and flawless execution, despite starting from a lower position in the qualifying session, ensured a fitting farewell to the LMP2 class.
The ‘8 Hours of Bahrain’ thus stands as a beacon of progress, symbolizing both individual prowess and the collective evolution of motorsport. As the dust settles on the racetrack, the echoes of this historic race will continue to reverberate, inspiring generations of racers to come.
Soource: BNN Breaking