The Dubai Autodrome has just hosted the third installment of the Gulf Historic Dubai GP Revival. The event was an enthusiastic tribute to the golden age of motor racing.
Throughout the three days, spectators were treated to five thrilling racing categories. From rarely seen racing machinery to determined drivers, the competition was fierce as they pushed themselves and their vehicles to the limit in pursuit of a coveted spot on the podium to end the season.
The 1991 Ferrari 643, driven by the four-time Formula One World Champion, Alain Prost, delighted spectators and attendees during a special demonstration run on Saturday afternoon.
The Le Mans 00s race on Saturday saw Steve Brooks take top honours, driving the 2010 Peugeot 90X. The next day, he continued his winning streak by coming in first in the second Le Mans 00s race.
Veteran racer Jean-Éric Vergne, who took part in the 2006 edition of the Chrysler Viper GTS-R, shared his enthusiasm for the Gulf Historic Dubai GP Revival. He expressed delight in being a part of such an incredible event, praising both its charming atmosphere and impressive lineup of cars. Having heard of the event’s growth with each passing year, he eagerly looks forward to returning for many more editions to come.
Andre Lotterer expressed his admiration for the efforts of the event organizers and the joy he felt being reunited with former teammate Jean-Eric. Despite only spending two years as teammates in Formula E, their strong friendship has endured and they can now relish in relaxed moments like this, reminiscing about past race cars.
This year’s Le Mans 60s sunset endurance race at the Dubai Autodrome was a spectacular event that stole the show. Kyle Tilley and Nicolas Manassian’s fierce competition in a 1965 Ford GT40 added to the excitement as day turned into night, ultimately resulting in their victory.
Stuart Hall claimed victory in the 1981 March 821 during the first race of the Formula 1 70s+ category. However, on Sunday, Mike Cantillon narrowly clinched the win in his 1981 Williams FW07C after an exciting lights-to-flag duel with Hall.
The Porsche 962 from Iconic Racing won first place in Saturday morning’s Le Mans 80s+ race, while Arthur Mathieu and Bernhard Van Orange-Nassau claimed victory the following day in the second race with their 1991 Cougar C28LM.
Throughout the race weekend, there were four demonstration runs showcasing beloved F1 classics from the 1990s. These head-turning demonstrations saw appearances from both Stefan Johansson and Nicholas Prost.
Behind the wheel of the Brabham BT60B, Sophia Flörsch expressed her excitement about driving an F1 car in Dubai for the Gulf Historic Dubai GP Revival. She described the event as continuously improving and having a fantastic atmosphere that is truly one-of-a-kind.
According to Formula One driver Stefan Johansson, who competed in the 1987 Leyton House 871, the event is always a pleasure to attend. He praises the team for their excellent work in terms of both setup and organization, especially with their attention to detail when it comes to the nostalgic 70s theme. The whole weekend is simply filled with positivity and a welcoming atmosphere that everyone can appreciate and enjoy.
According to three-time Formula One Grand Prix winner Thierry Boutsen, the event is truly remarkable. The pleasant atmosphere and camaraderie among our friends create an ideal setting for motorsport.
Adding to the already impressive array of automotive marvels at the event was the debut of the Dubai Classics category. This category showcased some of Dubai’s most exceptional and sought-after classic cars through two dynamic and adrenaline-fueled demonstration runs. Amongst this awe-inspiring selection were a Ferrari Dino 308 GT4, a 1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS, and a 1993 Lamborghini Diablo.
Throughout the three days of excitement, attendees were fully immersed in a vibrant 70s-inspired atmosphere. The paddock, set up like a festival, was alive with music and exclusive opportunities to interact with teams and drivers, providing an unparalleled experience in the world of motor racing. Meanwhile, the Apex Garden served as a central hub of thrill, boasting breathtaking panoramic views of one of the most captivating sequences of corners on the track.
According to Frédéric Fatien, Founder of GP Extreme, the Gulf Historic Dubai GP Revival has surpassed all previous events in terms of scale and excellence. With a larger number of races, drivers, and vehicles spanning various eras, this year’s revival has achieved record-breaking success. The three-day event attracted over 16,000 attendees, reaffirming the enduring appeal of vintage racing. The significant increase in attendance from last year indicates a growing enthusiasm for our beloved sport within this region.
My utmost appreciation goes to our amazing partners, drivers, and teams who are the cornerstone of this event – it would not exist without their unwavering support. To all our guests who joined us during these three days, we eagerly anticipate your presence at future historic racing events in 2024.
