Car Collection Motorsport triumphs in Hankook 24 Hours of Dubai

Car Collection Motorsport has claimed victory in the Hankook Dubai 24 Hours, taking the chequered flag after the 47 laps which represented the season opener in the 24H Series in 2019.

The Dubai showpiece ushered in another year in the testing motorsport series, which has won accreditation as an official FIA International Series. It is organised by Creventic, who also run the Touring Car Endurance Series.

But while the Car Collection Motorsport team led through every lap of the race, the team – which drove the new Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo – told the Sportscar365 platform that the victory was hard fought.

Driver Christopher Haase said: “I think maybe it looked easy, but we were pushing each lap on max attack. We had a bit of slight contact that I have seen on the car, but it was just a little bit of bodywork and that’s it. I have to say, Car Collection Motorsport did a great job, strategy-wise, which was for sure the main point. We had no troubles, which is always good in a 24-hour race!”

The Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo had already undergone a successful run out in the region late last year in the Gulf 12 Hours. The Dubai 24 Hours took place at the Dubai Autodrome, which is 25 minutes from downtown Dubai. Its combination of technical corners and high-speed straights has seen it named as one of the most challenging circuits in the world. The circuit is comprised of six different configurations, one of which enables three smaller circuits to be used concurrently.

VIPs at the event were treated to a spectacular setting from which to enjoy the race. From their private suites, they could take in the action from close quarters, with the cars passing just metres from them.

Over 70 teams took part in the event, in which the MS7 by WRT team finished second in their Audi R8 LMS, meaning that the German manufacturer was able to take both of the first spots on the podium. In third spot was the Scuderia Praha Ferrari team, which finished four laps behind the winner.