Round 3 - Race Report

With a break in December, it was back to the iconic Yas Marina Circuit for Round 3 of the Gulf Radical Cup.

Alex Bukhantsov comes into the weekend with a 37 point lead over Usmaan Mughal, but with 5 rounds to go anything could happen.

With the draw of oodles of tracktime, sunny climate the GRC continues to attract new teams and drivers to the grid.

Top UK team Valour Racing were running two new drivers, with Jack Yang and Luke Hilton, Luke was set to drive the GulfSport Racing demo XXR, run by Valour. Also making his debut was Ian Ituarte running with RAW/TTR.

With 6 hours of free practice over the Thursday and Friday there was plenty of time to get to grips with the Yas North circuit. Normally this short configuration with three big braking zones always keeps the grid close together and produces exciting racing - this weekend was to be no exception.

As the cars rolled out for Sprint Race Qualifying, all eyes were on the timing screens to see who had conquered the 3km of Yas tarmac. As the session went by it was clear that newcomer Luke Hilton was fast, as was Usmaan Mughal and Jimmy Chou. However with a series of track limit infringements being posted quick laps were being deleted as the session went on.

But in the end it was indeed Hilton taking Pole only 0.137 ahead on Jimmy Chou, and with a great lap from Yang to take 3rd, 0.399 behind him.

Amazingly there was less than a second between the first 10 cars, so very close for the race ahead.

In post race scrutineering Ian Ituarte was found to be underweight, so would have to serve a back of the grid penalty for Race 1, from his posted time that initially earned him 7th on the grid, so some work to do there.

Later that morning it was time for Sprint Race 1. With a rather messy start Usmaan  Mughal  took full advantage and lead the pack away from Turn 1. Hilton had dropped a few places back and had some work to do to catch up again. As the race progressed Mughal kept a decent lead being chased by Bukhantsov and Chou.

However, midway through the race Chou retired with a gearbox issue. With his car stranded on the back straight the safety car was deployed with only 6 mins to go! With Mughal in the lead, Hilton was back up to second and Bukhanstov in third, it was going to be a race to the finish if the stranded car could be cleared before the clock times out. However while this was going on a message appeared on the timing screens that Hilton was to receive a post race penally of 5 seconds for multiple track infringements. This message undoubtedly was passed to Mughal over team radio!

With forty seconds left the safety car filed onto the pits and left one lap of racing left! Mughal lead the field but Hilton made his move at turn 5 and slid into the lead dropping Mughal to second.

So with the penalty applied it was Mughal taking the win from Bukhantsov and Yang. However following post race scrutineering Bukhantsov's car was found to be underweight and he was removed from the result. Promoting Fuhrmeister to 3rd!

Later that day was Sprint Race 2. Chou who had posted a time for Pole had to miss the start while his engine was still being changed. This left Bukhantsov and Hilton to fight it out in the lead, and for the opening laps of the race the lead changed multiple times with very close, but fair racing - a joy to watch. Alim Geshev was in third. However Mughal was on a charge and had worked his way up to 2nd but the later stages of the race. Holding good pace behind the leader Hilton, but not really looking like a threat, and Bukhantsov behind him.

However the number 21 SR3 XXR of Mughal was given a time penalty for track limit infringements, meaning as he crossed the line in it was Hilton taking a great win, from Bukhantsov with Ian Ituarte on the podium for the first time in third.

The next day was just as sunny, and it was time for the Enduro Race qualifying.

Impressively it was Hilton again taking pole, from Chou and Yang.

As the race got underway, it was Hilton to took the lead, from Chou, Mughal, Fuhrmeister and Yang, all nose to tail.

Notably new coming this season, Perikles Daremas had his best qualifying for this race, but after light contact at the start had dropped back to 10th, but was making good progress through the field.

As the pit stops came around Hilton, who had no pit stop penalty from the last race (as he wasn’t there), cruised in and out without any drama and resumed the lead of the race. However Chou and Bukhantsov both had penalties from there success at the previous Dubai race. This meant that as the pack was still close, it was Mughal who was able to jump to second with Fuhrmeister close behind. As the race got back into full swing following the pit stop it was Daremas making moves and was up to 4th, having passed the rest of the field.

Things looked pretty comfortable for the front 3 as the race came to a close, but it was not over yet! With just 8 mins to go, the safety car was deployed. Following close racing between Feyzulin and Khazzoum, the number 5 car of Khazzoum was stranded in a dangerous position on the exit of turn 6. Just as in sprint race 1, this left just a few minutes to go, and with 4 minutes of racing left the car was cleared and the race was on. As the cars streamed through turn 1 Hilton had held off Mughal, but on the penultimate lap Chou put a move into turn 5 making contact with Mughal, pushing him off line and allowing the others through. Daremas was right there to strike as he also passed Mughal, and right up behind Chou going onto the back straight. Chou took to the inside to defend while Daremas stayed to his right as they braked in to turn 6, Chou ran wide and Daremas slipped up the inside to take second, great move!

So on track that was another win for Hilton, second for Daremas, and third for Chou. However the incident was spotted between Chou and Mughal and it was deemed Chou had made contact and forced Mughal off the track, he was given an 20 second penalty for that, allowing Mughal to move up to third.

With only two weeks to go and the Gulf Radical Cup is back at the Yas Marina Circuit, but this time on the full GP Circuit.

Round 2 - Race Report

Round 2 of the Gulf Radical Cup got underway this weekend at the Dubai Autodrome. Moving into November see the best weather in the UAE, a beautiful morning of sun and 25 degrees, perfect for racing!

Coming into the weekend Usmaan Mughal was leading in the points race, with reigning champion Alex Bukhantsov close behind.

With live coverage from day one of the racing, there was a buzz in the pitlane, teams and TV crew waiting in anticipation for the green light to come on at the end of pitlane, signifying the start of Sprint Qualifying. And, at 0900 it did right on time, all cars rolled out on track.

In the end it was Bukhantsov taking pole, but Khazzoum right behind in the time sheets, just 0.097 behind, Jimmy Chou taking 3rd.

A couple of hours later the cars rolled out for the first sprint race, 25 minutes long. Bukhantsov got away very well, as the cars came into the turn 1 it was 4 wide, but close behind and on the dusty part of the track was Alim Geshev, spinning under brakes, he came across the inside run off and collected Jimmy Chou, but as Chou spun backwards he hit Mark Holme, this left both Chou and Holme entangled and stranded by the side of the track, while Geshev was able to drive away.

Meanwhile Mughal had made a great start around the outside, just avoiding the incident was was second behind Bukhantsov, but as the cars ran through the club link the safety car was deployed.

After a few laps the cars were moved away and it was racing again. Bukhanstov kept his lead, with Mughal, Khazzoum and Fuhrmeister close behind.

Soon Feyzulin had past Fuhrmester up to 4th. Bukhantsov had opened a lead, but it was all to play for with Mughal and Khazzoum close in 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Behind them Huskinson was having a good battle moving up the order passing Hadeed and Daremas with some close racing.

In the end Bukhantsov was unstoppable taking the win, from Mughal, then Khazzoum.

A few hours later was the start of Sprint Race 2. Again Bukhantsov making a great start, with Khazzoum behind followed by Feyzulin. Mughal made a poor start and was working his way up from 6th.

Feyzulin put a great move on Khazzoum around the outside of turn 4 to pass him up to second. With Mughal slipping up to 5th, then the lap later to 4th and right on the tail of Khazzoum.

Holme was now close to Mughal in 5th, forcing Mughal to look forwards and backwards.

In the end the order stayed the same, with another great win for Bukhantsov, second for Feyzulin, and Khazzoum third.

The next day started with Enduro Qualifying. Again, taking pole was Bukhantsov from Khazzoum as in the Sprint Races.

In the race Bukhantsov got away well, but making a great start was Geshev, slipping up to second. On lap two Daremas made a pass on Monie on the brakes into turn one, but out braking himself on the dust, Dramas started to spin with Monie unable to avoid him. Both cars sustained damage, Daremas was able to continue but Monie was stranded, so the safety car was deployed for the second time of the weekend.

A few laps later and racing resumed, but only a few minutes before the pit stop window opened. Coming in first was Holme, Fuhrmeister and Chou. Followed on the next lap by race leader Bukhantsov and Mughal. Unfortunately Mughal had to serve a 45 + 20 second additional pit stop time from winning the race back at YAS, where as Bukhantsov was free to just serve the standard 45 seconds.

As the order sorted itself out after the pitstops, Bukhantsov had a comfortable lead from Geshev, with Chou in third. Mughal pulled in to the pits and retirement after a throttle sensor failure. Khazzoum had passed Chou in the link section, but was very close to track limits and this would be investigated after the race.

Huskinson had kept good pace and worked his was from the back of the grid up to 6th.

The chequered flag was out and Bukhantsov crossed the line for his three out of three wins from the weekend. Leaving the rest of the field with some work to do to get close to him. Geshev took second with Chou promoted to third following a post race penalty handed to Khazzoum for gaining an advantage off track.

So going away from Round Two sees Bukhantsov taking over the lead of the series from Mughal. There is a break in the racing now, and action will resume at Yas Marina Circuit at the start of January in the new year!

Round 1 - Race Report

Round 1 of the 2023/24 Gulf Radical Cup got underway at the famous Formula 1 circuit of Yas Marina this weekend.

Most teams and drivers are at the track from Thursday onwards, starting the event with a three hour open pitlane test (Dragon Test Days). But this was bizarrely cut short because of a freak storm, high winds and a drenched track, meaning three hours were cut to just one.

However, the following morning (Friday), the sun was out and the un-seasonal rain had gone. The day started with three hours of ‘untimed’ practice, then the 30 minute official practice shortly after.

Topping the time sheets was Usmaan Mughal of Relentless Racing, but with reigning champion Alex Bukhantsov not taking part in that session, it was expected for him to be pushing for that top spot the following morning.

This season, as always sees new drivers and cars, with 4 new faces on the grid, two of which would be taking part in their first ever car race.

Saturday morning was Sprint Qualifying. Here the drivers need to set two fast laps, the first to set the grid for Sprint Race 1, and the next fastest lap to set the grid for Sprint Race 2. Alex Bukhantsov was able to take the first Pole of the year with a 1:59.235, with Johnny Khazzoum taking second in his new SR3 XXR, and Usmaan Mughal in third.

A short while later Sprint Race 1 got underway, Mughal had made a great start and slipped in to the lead at turn 1, with Bukhantsov close behind him. But as the cars streamed into the hotel complex it all got a bit too close in the mid pack, and Zig Fuhrmeister was squeezed to the curb, resulting in a spin and clipping the barrier. His car was left stranded in the middle of the track, unable to get going again. This meant the safety car had to be deployed while the car was removed from the circuit. After a couple of laps the stricken car was out the way and racing could resume. Mughal kept his lead despite and challenge from Bukhantsov around the outside of turn nine, with Alim Geshev and Amir Feyzulin in hot pursuit.

A couple of laps later Bukhantsov was able to sneak past to take the lead, putting Mughal back to  second. However he would not hold that for long and on the timing screens a message was posted from race control saying that the Safety Car restart was being investigated, a few laps later a Drive Through Penalty was handed to Mughal, certainly taking him out of contention, but promoting Geshev and Feyzulin to podium positions. This is where it stayed until the end of the race.

A few hours later was Sprint Race 2. Again starting from the Pole, Bukhantsov took the lead. Mughal was in second with Geshev in third. As the race progressed newcomer Jimmy Chou was pushing hard and fast, as was Geshev, who was on the tail of Mughal in the closing laps. As he made the move to take second place into turn 6, Geshev overshot, and spinning onto the run off area, allowing Jimmy Chou through. Geshev got going again, and was able to keep 4th, followed by Feyzulin and Monie.

The following day was Enduro day, with qualifying up first.

Again Bukhantsov impressed with another pole. However the gap was now closer, with Geshev taking second only 0.09 behind, third was Khazzoum 0.2 behind that. Then only 0.9 seconds covering the next 9 drivers. A close race ahead was expected.

The Enduro is a 45 minute race, with a mandatory 45 second pitstop. As the cars took the start it was very tight in to turn 1, Bukhantsov squeezed Geshev to take the lead on the first lap. Opening up an initial gap, Mughal was able to close a bit keeping in touch with the leader. Some contact at turn 9 had seen some debris strewn across the track, forcing the race director to deploy the safety car, to allow marshals to clear the way. They did this very quickly and the safety car was withdrawn, but at the same moment the pit stop window was opened. Signalling the start of pit stops.

Some chose to pit immediately, some chose to run a couple extra laps. But the front three would all come in together, nose to tail. That was Bukhantsov, followed by Mughal, followed by Holme in third. All pit stops were clean and no advantages were taken. Now it was just a race to the finish. However, a message came across the screen that Mark Holme was to have a 5 second penalty for gaining an “off track advantage”, and with Jimmy Chou setting some fast laps from 4th place, it was going to be tight at the end.

As the chequered flag came out, it was Bukhantsov first, Mughal second and Holme third. But after the time penalty correction for Holme, Chou would be promoted to 3rd. However, that was not the end of action. In post race scrutineering the wining car was presented underweight, thus resulting in a disqualification, promoting Mughal to the winning spot. In addition to this Chou was also given a 5 second penalty for contact during the race. This pushed Holme to second and put Chou back to third.

Just a two week gap, until the next round at the Dubai Autodrome.

Chou to complete full season in GRC

Next driver to confirm their entry to the Gulf Radical Cup is Jimmy Chou.

Chou took part in the GRC at the end of last season coming 4th in his debut race, and has been keeping himself in tune over the summer season in Europe racing and testing in LMP4, completing 4 events so far in his rookie year.

He will use the winter season in the UAE to prepare for a full assault on the 2024 season in the Europe. Chou is coached by James Winslow, who coached the last two GRC Champions.

Jimmy Chou commented:

“Im happy to come and spend the winter in the UAE. Ill learn a lot from my coach over the winter season driving my SR3 XX in preparation for the next year. The Radical is the closest thing to LMP racing but at a much lower budget.”

Chou is expected to be out on track at the first pre-season test at YAS on the 10th of October.

National Award and LMP3 Test coming this season

The Gulf Radical Cup debuted in the UAE in 2006, and has continued to grow every year since then. Attracting local talent, and from further a field, but more so over recent years.

So it only seems right to recognise those two demographics racing in the GRC. This season sees the launch of the Gulf Radical Cup ‘National Class Award’. This is a class/award that allows drivers holding national level licences (not only UAE), to score points on a separate tally to compete for the title at the end of the year. Not only will they be recognised as the GRC National Class Champion they will also be awarded the coveted prize to take a funded drive in the latest Radical SR3 XXR in the UK in the 2024 season.

This prize had been reserved for overall Champion in previous years, but this year sees the reintroduction of an old partnership with Team Virage, thus making way for this new award. Virage is one of Europes top LMP teams, and 2023/24 champion will be offered a test in a Virage LMP3 Car in Spain. Spending the first of two  days at the Virage Academy facility in their state of the art simulator, then taking to the track the following day.

Julien Gerbi  - Virage Team Manager commented:

“We’re really happy to see the development of the Gulf Radical Cup in the Emirates. This series allowed many drivers to race at a competitive level in fantastic conditions during the winter and, with the experience of GulfSport Racing, has become a great platform for many drivers willing to pursue a career racing LMP in Europe. We’ll follow closely the series to see which talent will come out, and are looking forward getting the 2023/2024 champion behind the wheel of one of our cars next year!”

The season kicks off in October at Yas, and its going to be exciting to see who shows early pace and their intentions to take one of these fantastic prizes.

GulfSport Director Martin Hope commented:

“We have had a great relationship with Virage over the years, and recently Gulf Radical Cup drivers have come from far and wide, and with varying experience, but more and more are looking to progress to LMP3/4. However,  we also recognise the commitment of our National level drivers. Both these rewards are perfectly placed for our ambitious international drivers and local, national talent.”

Previous and current GRC drivers, like Alex Buhkantsov, Jacopo Mazza, James Sweetnam, George King and Amir Feyzulin have all raced in LPM3 or 4 while keeping their eye in with Radical Racing in the GRC.

Drivers score points at all 21 races, but only the highest 18 count towards the final tally. This allows for a ‘problematic’ race weekend to be dropped, or even if life gets in the way of racing and an event has to be missed.

To know more about opportunities to get on track with Team Virage get in touch.

Fuhrmeister back for more GRC action!

The next driver to confirm for the 2023/24 Gulf Radical Cup is Zig Fuhrmeister.

Incredibly he flys to all the rounds from Australia. Zig has raced Radicals for a few years, but last season was his first in the GRC. It takes days to drive across Australia from round to round, so actaully flying to race in the UAE where your SR3 awaits you is not actaully a bad option.

He explained why he is back:

“We raced in the GRC last season, and had a great time. The grid is very competitive, but the racing atmosphere is fantastic. We received great support from the series organisers and for these reasons we are making the effort to comeback this season for more. Oh yer, the sun and fantastic tracks also help. Can’t wait..!”

Zig will be on track this week with a two day test while on his way through the UAE. With Dragon test days every week now for the whole season and a host of Dubai Autodrome trackdays there is never a week when you can’t get on track in your Radical.

We look forward to seeing Zig back out on track this season!

Geshev Returns to GRC

The next driver to take to the grid for the 2023/24 Gulf Radical Cup is Alim Geshev.

Alim made his debut into the world of Motorsport last year in the Gulf Radical Cup. After having spent the first half of the season testing, getting up to speed, he got started at Yas Round 5, and incredibly placed on the podium by the end of the season.

He commented:

“I am truly honoured to have my first full racing season and to be able to compete with experienced and truly agile racers in the Gulf Radical Cup. It is a huge challenge for me but at the same time it’s a stepping stone towards unlocking a new potential and skillset of mine. This summer I had my UK Radical Cup event at Silverstone, and I got a lot of positive emotions, along with a very insightful experience. I hope in this coming season all the standings will demonstrate an exciting and fair racing and we will give our fans and supporters a great show. “If in doubt, flat out”!”

Alim will be taking to the track in the next week to start his testing program, giving him the best chance of keeping his toe on the podium, we expect to see him there on a regular basis.

Monie Enters GRC

The next entry we welcome to the Gulf Radical Cup grid is French driver; Julien Monie. This will be Juliens third season racing, but this time will be behind the wheel on the ex Alex Khateeb SR3 XX.

Julien said:

“Im very happy to back racing in the Gulf Radical Cup, I’ve tested the XX that ill be racing this summer at Donnington Park, so I hope to get behind the wheel of it ASAP in the UAE and start getting dialled in for the season ahead.”

With more entries coming and an imminent announcements regarding the new control tyre for the coming season stay tuned…

The early entry offer is now closed, but you can still make a saving on entry fee’s by completing your season entry before the season starts.

Feyzulin back on the grid!

With the list growing, the next driver to confirm their entry into the 2022/23 Gulf Radical Cup is Amir Feyzulin.

Amir is the longest running driver racing in the GRC, closing last season with a fantastic win ahead of current champion Bukhantsov, taking third over all in the series. Taking delivery of his new SR3 XX last season, Amir really found his feet and was regularly at the top on the time sheets and getting on the podium - certainly a serious contender this season.

Amir Commented:

“I am very excited to make another season entry into the Gulf Radical Cup. Every year I come back for more, it’s a very competitive grid of drivers, but you get a lot of track time, so it’s really possible to improve. I hope to build on the success of last season and take more race wins!”

Amir has been keeping his racing eye in, he took part in the UK Radical Cup UK last weekend at Silverstone, with fellow GRC competitor Alim Geshev. Both performed amazingly, and even got the chance to explore the amazing GP circuit in the wet.

Holme signs up for GRC

The next driver to confirm their entry into the Gulf Radical Cup is newcomer to the series, and from the UK, Mark Holme.

Mark has raced various series in the UK, but this will be his first venture into the world of Radical Racing.

The ‘Viking Self Storage’ sponsored car will certainly stand out in its yellow and black Livery, and Mark plans to start testing in October.

Mark commented:

“After a number of years competing in the UK/European FunCup Endurance championships as well as competing in many historic events I must say I am very much looking forward to my first season in a Radical SR3 and the learning curve that wings and slicks demand – also looking forward to some sun !! – can’t wait “

Mark has been doing his homework with some UK testing before coming to the UAE in October, where official testing kicks off at Yas Marina Circuit.

We welcome Mark to the Gulf Radical Cup.

The ‘Early Entry Offer’ ends on the 31st of July, so make sure you get your entry in and do not miss.