Brabs wins in Bahrain

The Dominique Dupuy/Francois Fiat DDO Saleen S7 was the Ferrari's closest challenger, but it hit problems and slipped to third at the end behind the Larbre Competition Chrysler Viper of Frederic Dedours and Frederic Makowiecki.

Brabham: "It is great to be here in Bahrain; the circuit and facilities have been outstanding, and the racing has been really good as well."

The Australian and his Danish co-driver Simonsen won a heat apiece, wit the other going to French GT Championship star Dupuy, who sneaked past Brabham in traffic on the last lap, following a race-long battle.

The Saleen was again the winners' closest opposition in the hour-long final, but it ran into a diff' problem and dropped behind the Larbre Viper.

Six top FIA GT Championship cars missed the Festival after they ran into logistical problems on the way back from their recent race at Zuhai, but event organisers were very pleased with the way the meeting worked.

Martin Whitaker, general manager of the Bahrain International Circuit commented: "It was an outstanding event, with top teams from all over the world competing here in Bahrain. This has been a celebration of racing. Teams and drivers have had a fantastic time and we have very much enjoyed having them here and we are looking forward to seeing them again in the future. Once again, like for the F1 race, I believe everybody has left impressed with the friendliness and hospitality of the people of Bahrain."