Race Winners on a Dramatic Bahrain Finale

Read what some of the winners said from a memorable Bapco 8 Hours of Bahrain.....

Mike Conway – Toyota Gazoo Racing – No.7 Toyota GR010 Hybrid Hypercar

“It feels great to win the race and be part of a one-two for the team. Congratulations to Kamui (Kobayashi), José-Maria (Lopez) and the whole No.7 crew who did a stellar job here, and also to car No.8 on the championship, they had a really consistent, strong year so fully deserve it.

“Our race went very well and it was a close fight for a lot of the eight hours. Car No.8 kept us on our toes as always until Kamui pulled out a good gap which made it more comfortable.

“Everyone on our car executed really well today, with a nice clean race, good pit stops and the right strategy. It’s fantastic to win the manufacturers’ title again; thanks to everyone in Japan, Cologne (TMG base) and all the other people who have made this happen.”

Miguel Molina – AF Corse – No.52 Ferrari 488 GTE Evo

“It was quite a good race for us. We could show that we have a very good pace today and the car was really good. The key point of the race was we knew in advance that it was all about the management of the of the tyres. and this we know that our car is always good on tyre temps and today we could manage that aspect.

“So, really happy to score the last victory and in the last race of the GT Pro category, and also we achieve the manufacturers championship which is always important for us.”

Sean Gelael – Team WRT – No.31 Oreca-Gibson LMP2

“It's a great feeling here in Bahrain. it is one of my favourite tracks.

“Starting the race, I think we recovered some places and then soon after Rene started his second amazing second stint, we caught the lead and then just extended from there. I think the guys did an amazing job again with the car and last year we were fighting the WRT guys when I was with Jota and they were really strong here. We came back and we did it as best as we can and we secured second championship as well.

“We were hoping Jota would maybe have some troubles but in the end of the day we did whatever we could do and we won three out of six races so pretty happy for that.'

Nicolas Leutwiller – Team Project 1 – No.46 Porsche 911 RSR-19

“We compromised the beginning of the race in order to have a very good car at the end of the race and this is the formula that we were after and it's been confirmed by the 1-2 of the team.

“A double result feels so really good. At the end of the season, I couldn't be happier for all of us for the team obviously, was due to my two co-drivers (Matteo Cairoli and Mikkel Pedersen), without them it's absolutely impossible and it magic from both of us.”

Francois Perrodo – AF Corse – No.83 Oreca-Gibson LMP2 Pro/Am

“The first title was 2016 and then three titles in a row with Nicklas (Nielsen) and then the last two with Alessio, so makes it even more special as they become like my brothers these two guys. This season was really hard.

“Then it is re-joining LMP2 for me after a good stint in LMGTE Am. It wasn't easy and started really well. I don't need to go through Le Mans again,  I think we've talked about that enough and it was a horrible race for me. But you learn from your mistakes, you rise up.

“Monza was not so good but then I finished on a high with Japan and Bahrain with two victories so very, very happy”