The Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Saudi Arabia is set to host the final round of the GT World Challenge Europe – Endurance Cup, promising high-stakes action for teams vying for championship glory. The iconic 6.174 km street circuit, inaugurated in 2021, features 27 challenging corners along the picturesque Corniche Road overlooking the Red Sea. This fifth and final race of the season will see 49 GT3-class cars on the grid, with Ferrari in the hunt for titles in both the Drivers’ and Teams’ standings across the Pro and Bronze classes. The decisive six-hour race begins at 5 p.m. local time on Saturday, 30 November.
Pro Class: Ferrari Eyes Top Spot
In the Pro category, Ferrari will field two 296 GT3s, both run by the AF Corse – Francorchamps Motors team. Car number 51, driven by an all-Italian crew comprising Davide Rigon, Alessandro Pier Guidi, and Alessio Rovera, returns to the competition after missing the Monza round. Pier Guidi and Rovera are in a tight championship battle, sitting just three points behind the current leaders. A strong performance in Jeddah could secure them the Drivers’ title.
Meanwhile, the sister car, number 71, will feature Ferrari official driver Thomas Neubauer, alongside Vincent Abril and David Vidales. In the Teams’ standings, AF Corse – Francorchamps Motors holds a razor-thin one-point advantage over their nearest rivals, adding another layer of tension to the finale.
Bronze Class: A Ferrari Duel
Ferrari’s presence is equally dominant in the Bronze category, which combines professional and gentleman drivers. Leading the pack is the number 93 Sky Tempesta Racing Ferrari, piloted by Jonathan Hui, Christopher Froggatt, and Eddie Cheever. Their consistent performance throughout the season has earned them 65 points and an eight-point lead over their closest competitors.
Challenging them is the number 52 Ferrari from AF Corse, driven by seasoned official driver Andrea Bertolini and the father-son duo of Louis and Jef Machiels. In the Teams’ standings, Sky Tempesta Racing holds a seven-point lead over AF Corse, making the championship fight a highlight of the weekend.
Two other Ferrari entries add depth to the Bronze class. Kessel Racing’s number 8 car, driven by Nicolò Rosi, Niccolò Schirò, and David Fumanelli, looks to replicate their winning performance from the season opener at Le Castellet. Meanwhile, Rinaldi Racing’s number 333 car, with Christian Hook, David Perel, and Felipe Fernandez Laser at the helm, rounds out Ferrari’s formidable lineup.
Weekend Schedule
The action begins on Thursday, 28 November, with the Bronze Test from 8:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. Friday, 29 November, features free practice sessions from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., followed by pre-qualifying from 8:15 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.
On Saturday, 30 November, the focus shifts to qualifying, held between 11:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. This session uses the traditional format of three 15-minute stints, with each driver setting a time to determine the starting grid. The grand finale, a six-hour endurance race, kicks off at 5 p.m. local time, marking the culmination of a fiercely contested season.
Championship Implications
The stakes couldn’t be higher as teams and drivers prepare to tackle the demanding Jeddah circuit. In the Pro class, the rivalry between AF Corse – Francorchamps Motors and their closest competitors guarantees a nail-biting conclusion. For Pier Guidi and Rovera, the opportunity to leapfrog into the Drivers’ championship lead hinges on a flawless performance.
In the Bronze category, Sky Tempesta Racing and AF Corse are locked in a battle not just for the Drivers’ title but also for supremacy in the Teams’ standings. The number 93 Ferrari duo must maintain their consistency under immense pressure, while the number 52 crew aims to overturn the points deficit in a dramatic final showdown.
A Spectacle to Remember
As the GT World Challenge Europe – Endurance Cup reaches its climax, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit provides the perfect backdrop for an epic finale. With its challenging layout and stunning coastal views, the track is set to test the limits of drivers and machines alike. Fans can look forward to an evening of high-speed drama, strategic brilliance, and edge-of-the-seat excitement as the 2024 season concludes in spectacular fashion.
