The 11th edition of the Gulf 12 Hours left a bitter taste for Alex Fontana and Centri Porsche Ticino. After achieving such success in the Endurance Cup of the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe, the Swiss driver and team were attemtping to extend their positive streak at Yas Marina, in what is one of the most important endurance races of the winter period. From free practice the team displayed great potential, both in the Friday session and on the Saturday when the fastest time overall of 1:51.822 was recorded by Alex Fontana himself. Unfortunately, the team which saw Alex sharing driving duties with “Hash”, Yannick Mettler and Stefano Costantini saw its hopes and all the good work completed dashed against the Armco of the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi without even making it to the start of the final round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge 2023 Powered by Pirelli.
A few minutes ahead of the start of Qualifying 2, Stefano Costantini was at the wheel of Centri Porsche Ticino’s Porsche 911 GT3 Rwhen he lost control, crashed into the barriers surrounding the circuit and irreparably damaged the car. The accident brought the curtain down on the Emirates weekend for the Swiss outfit and resulted in a lengthy suspension of qualifying while repairs were made to the circuit.The accident brought the curtain down on the Emirates weekend for the Swiss outfit and resulted in a lengthy suspension of qualifying while repairs were made to the circuit.
The next challenge facing Alex Fontana and Centri Porsche Ticino will also be in the United Arab Emirates, this time on the Dubai circuit for the 24 Hours race.
Alex Fontana
“Unfortunately, our weekend here in Dubai came to an earlier end than we had hoped for.
Stefano suffered a heavy crash during Qualifying 2 from which he emerged unscathed, which is always the most important thing.Despite Car Collection’s best efforts, it was not possible to repair the car in time to take part in the race.
I’m nonetheless satisfied with what “Hash” achieved in Qualifying 1, putting in a great shift, continuing his rehabilitation after that bad injury he had months ago and lending continuity to the AF Academy project, as ever in collaboration with Centri Porsche Ticino.
I would also like to thank Arch Motorcycles, the marque owned by Keanu Reeves and Gard Hollinger, which decided to lend us their support for this desert adventure.
Obviously I’m disappointed not to have made it to the race, but there will certainly be opportunities in the future, hopefully as soon as the 24 Hours of Dubai in January, where we shall again be present with this stunning livery that has from the outset aroused the curiosity of the enthusiasts and the paddock pros.