Antonelli leads action-packed Middle East Formula Championship in Dubai – News

Mumbai Falcons’ 16-year-old Mercedes Formula 1 support talent wins first race

Andrea Kimi Antonelli (middle). – Photos provided

As the Giti-powered series returned from Kuwait’s Motor City to the Dubai Autodrome, many witnessed exciting, action-packed racing in the Formula Middle East Regional Championship (FRMEC). An intense weekend of racing saw Italian Andrea Kimi Antonelli take the lead in the final round at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit.

But the fourth round in Dubai has been the most unpredictable of the season so far. Kimi Antonelli may have shared victory in Dubai with Pepe Martí and Nikita Bedrin, but Taylor Barnard Highest score and still very much in the running for the title.

Ace Antonelli had to work hard for his win in Game 1. The 16-year-old Mercedes Formula One support prodigy of the Mumbai Falcons dropped to third after a thrilling three-man battle with PHM Racing’s Barnard and Josh Dufik on the first lap. Antonelli was quick to recover second from Swiss ace Dufik before taking the lead from British prodigy Barnard after the safety car came out. Antonelli’s Mumbai Falcons teammate Rafael Camara is also making progress. The Brazilian, who is a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, finished third on Dufek with an impressive braking effort, then second on Barnard.

After missing the previous round at Kuwait’s Motor City, Matti returned to the field for Pinnacle VAR and took the lead from reverse pole position in race two. Mumbai Falcons driver and fellow Spaniard Lorenzo Fluxá chased the 17-year-old hotly throughout the race, while others continued the ferocious battle behind them . The battle for position culminated on the final lap when Aiden Neate was turned by Bedrin at Turn 10 for third. Barnard returned to the podium and received the Rookie Cup award. Antonelli finished fourth on the road, but two penalties dropped him to 10th.

In the final game in Dubai, Bedrin was redeemed. The 17-year-old went 1-2-3 ahead of Dufek and Barnard in PHM Racing, most of the distance in a race that was repeatedly interrupted by the safety car. Barnard struggled to find a way to pass Dufic, but his late-game efforts failed to materialize. Instead, it let Antonelli pass, but the Italian attacked Dufek immediately and, after contact, both went wide, with Barnard taking second from Dufek and Antonelli .

It leaves Barnard 37 points behind Antonelli and 75 points clear of Abu Dhabi. Câmara and Fluxá were also in the math competition, although they trailed by 73 and 74 points respectively.

As Giti continues to support these up-and-coming racing drivers during the Formula Middle East Championship, Giti is able to enjoy the “unique opportunity to enjoy an incredible achievement from the synergy between the engineering and racing teams”, Executive Director (International Sales and Marketing) shares Chris Bloor. ), from Giti Tires.