Porsche Supercup: Bahrain

Let's check in with the Supercup boys, here are a few highlights from the Bahrain GP support race. Oddly there was not much Superclown action this time save for that black car a the start, he comes from way behind, slashing though the field only to... brake long into turn one and find, of all cars, his own team mate's rear bumper! Ooops.

I love the Sahkir circuit, Yes, it's built in an absurd place for racing, but what a fantastic layout, it must be a great challenge to drive.
(race wrap up after the jump.)

27 year-old reigning Champion Jeroen Bleekemolen (Konrad Motorsport) won his second consecutive race of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup at the Sakhir International Circuit in Bahrain on Sunday. Meanwhile, the two drivers sponsored by Tudor, 42-year old Patrick Huisman (SPS Performance) and his team-mate 33-year old Richard Williams finished in the points in 4th and 5th place respectively.

The second race of the season started late morning in very hot conditions (36 degrees Celsius). In the support series to the F1 event, the news for this season comes from Tudor, part of the renowned Swiss watch-making company Rolex, who has formed a brand partnership with Porsche Motorsport. The partnership coincides with the launch of a new line of high-end sport watches from Tudor, evocatively named "Grantour."

Lining up on the grid as pre-race favourite was reigning Supercup Champion Jeroen Bleekemolen (NED), again in pole position. Bleekemolen remained in command for all 12 laps of the race. He completed what one could call a "super weekend," finishing his second consecutive race on the first step of the podium.

"This weekend could not have been better. I drove a perfect race and there was no trouble with the car. On every lap I was securing a better margin. I know that the other competitors were struggling with the heat and their tires, but we were simply quick. I hope this pace continues for the rest of the season. In Barcelona, the team has already been quick and know how to be at the top. I finished 2nd last year and my aim is to be again on the podium. On this track, the last new chicane is different and a bit tricky. Turn 3 is very challenging, but always nice for a driver. With the team I am looking forward to getting on the podium as often as possible."

Meanwhile Patrick Huisman (NED) and Richard Williams (GBR) finished in fourth and fifth place respectively. Huisman (SPS Performance) commented, "I am so happy today. Today I again drove a strong race with an amazing start where I gained two positions. It was decisive for the rest of the race. It could not have been any better leaving from 6th and finishing 4th with points. The cars ahead of us had a very strong pace. We had made some changes overnight but the rear of the car was still difficult to control. Damien Faulkner was always close to me even if sometimes I was also alone. The main thing is that I never got into trouble. I do not forget that we arrived here with no testing behind us. I lived a fantastic week here. For the immediate future I am flying back to Europe and will see my kids. It is Queen's Day in Holland and we will have a good reason to celebrate. But we won't test before Barcelona. We'll keep it to after the third race of the season."

Patrick Huisman's teammate at SPS Performance, Richard Williams (GBR), is just as happy about his Race 2 result. "I was frustrated yesterday because I knew we had the potential to win or at least do a strong race. It could not have been any better today," said Williams. "Leaving from 10th and finishing in 5th position. The team did a fantastic job overnight and fixed the damage to the car. I want to thank them for a great job. For me, the half distance point was the key to the race. I had saved my tyres at the start, and with the heat, it paid off. As a result I was able to make full use of the tyres all the way to the chequered flag. It is my second season with Supercup and I am pleased to come back in such a strong way today. I am impatient to be in Barcelona. I know the track and hope to make it again in the points."

Over the last 25 years, TUDOR and Porsche alike have worked persistently on design, technology and reliability, resulting in bold innovations and avant-garde solutions. In this constant quest for functional beauty, TUDOR leads us into the vibrant world of GT racing. The launch of a new range of sport chic design watches under the exciting name of Grantour and TUDOR's Porsche Motorsport partnership officially bring the two brands together. Both are branded with a shield; they share the same values and respect of tradition. TUDOR does not simply produce watches, nor Porsche merely cars. TUDOR and Porsche are both much more. Tudor is the "Official Partner" of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.

(race wrap-up via PaddockTalk.com)