Gardel confirmed as champion

Gardel initially took the GT1 drivers' title after his fourth place finish at the race, but that was thrown into doubt afterwards when he and teammate Pedro Lamy were disqualified because the Stewards alleged there wasn't enough fuel left in the Ferrari 550's tank after the race.

Larbre, who Gardel drove for, appealed the decision which was heard yesterday by the International Court of Appeal.

Maserati drivers Timo Scheider and Michael Barbels stood to benefit the most by inheriting the title if the appeal was rejected.

"At the end of the procedure of appeal, team Larbre Competition won his appeal following its disqualification after race of Bahrain," the team said in a statement.

"With this final decision, Gabriele Gardel secures the FIA GT Championship drivers' title, bringing to the team Larbre Competition a new crown to its very packed prize list."

The International Court of Appeal statement said: "Having heard the explanations of both parties and having examined the various documents and other evidence, the Court quashed the decision N°9 of the Panel of the Stewards to exclude car N°11."

The full text and explanation of the decision has not been made available to the general public.

Gardel, en route to the FIA awards ceromony in Monaco tonight, was overcome with emotion when he was told the news.

"It's really fantastic news and the best possible Christmas present for Jack, the team, Care Racing, Prodrive and for me - for all of us.  We won on the track and now we've won again and can celebrate properly! 

"For Care Racing it is their third FIA GT title in a row, and it just shows what a wonderful car the Ferrari 550 is."