P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Ferrari AF Corse’s Antonio Giovinazzi led the FIA World Endurance Championship’s 8 Hours of Bahrain after they resumed six hours of running.
With 75% of the WEC 2024 season finale completed, Ferrari AF Corse held the lead after six hours of green flag running, closely followed by Toyota as the race reached the halfway point. The #51 Ferrari maintained its lead after a brief full-course-yellow for debris, with Toyota encountering misfire issues that hindered their performance. Different tyre strategies between Michelin compounds added intrigue to the race, with battles for position intensifying as the event progressed.
The first virtual safety car period was called due to a fire in the #88 Proton Ford Mustang, leading to a reset of the gaps and a reshuffle of the field. Giovinazzi, Ilott, and Makowiecki emerged as frontrunners, while the Vanthoor brothers and Hirakawa fought for positions in the top seven.
Amidst the intense competition, the #7 Toyota GAZOO Racing was forced to retire, adding to the drama of the endurance race in Bahrain. The LMGT3 class saw thrilling overtakes, with Iron Dames driver Sarah Bovy and Heart of Racing’s Alex Riberas battling for the lead. As the sixth hour approached, the race remained dynamic with shifts in positions and strategies shaping the final outcome. Despite challenges and setbacks, the competitors continued to push forward, showcasing the resilience and determination required in endurance racing.