Carrera Cup Scandinavia

The Swedish trio of Mikael Bender, Johan Löfqvist and Patrik Skoog claimed the class victory and an overall sixth in the Gulf 12 hours at Yas Marina Circuit at Abu Dhabi.
“It was an amazing experience and really nice to be able to claim the class victory. This was over expectation and we had really not expected such a strong finish,” said Mikael Bender.

Patrik Skoog drove the first part of the race and climbed steadily. The second half of the race saw Skoog being close to a big accident.
“There was a couple of drivers that spun right ahead of me in one of the fastest corners of the track. I managed to avoid it and gained a couple of positions. The race was overall really good, an amazing track and we got a lot of driving,” said Skoog.

Johan Löfqvist drove the second and fifth stint and had to fight hard with a cold in the arabic heat.
“It was physically really hard, but the race was awesome and this is by far the best I have ever done in motorsport,” said Löfqvist.

Gulf 12 Hours marked the first endurance race ever for GT cars at Yas Marina Circuit, a track the Swedish trio praises.
“There is no circuit in the world that can beat Yas Marina, you really have to be there in order to experience the awesomeness of it,” said Bender.

The next Gulf 12 Hours will be held in December this year and Skoog, Bender and Löfqvist is planning to be there again.
“The race really gave us a taste for more and we are aiming to race again in December, perhaps with an even better finish then,” said Skoog.

Top 10 – Gulf 12-hours

1 AF Corse Ferrari 458 299 laps
2 Kessel Racing Ferrari 458 +2.636
3 United Autosports Audi R8 LMS +9.868
4 AF Corse Ferrari 458 +6 varv
5 Autorlando Porsche 911 GT3 R +12 varv
6 PFI Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup +18 laps
7 Bonaldi Motorsports Lamborghini Gallardo +19 laps
8 Lbanez Racing Service Norma M20F +21 laps
9 Team Lompech Sport Renault Megané +31 laps
10 Yas Marina Circuit Aston Martin +48 laps

Further information on Gulf 12 Hours at www.gulf12hours.com.