CSMEC: Patrizi takes Middle East Supercar win

Former V8 Supercar Championship driver Michael Patrizi took a win in the Chevrolet Supercars Middle East Championship at the weekend.

The Australian, who is without a V8 drive this season, took a guest drive in the series as it supported the V8 Supercars Championship’s visit to Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit, and gave the paddock a reminder of his talent by winning the weekend’s second race.

Patrizi capitalised on a chaotic start when pole-sitter Tarek Elgammal clashed with Raed Raffii and spun to the back of the field. As the following drivers scattered to avoid the carnage, Patrizi kept his cool to storm through into the lead.

Despite race-long pressure from Abdulaziz Al Yaeesh, Patrizi held on to win from the Saudi driver. Championship leader Fahad Al Musalam claimed the final podium spot after a gutsy drive through the field.

In the weekend’s earlier race, Elgammal took his second win of the season ahead of Al Yaeesh with Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa finishing third. Raffii was fourth, while Al Musalam, who endured a frustrating qualifying session due to fuel pump failure, charged to fifth from well down the grid.

Championship Standings (after 5 rounds)

1 Fahad Al Musalam – 69pts
2 Abdulaziz Al Yaeesf – 62
3 Tarek Elgammal – 57
4 Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa – 50
5 Raed Raffii – 40
6 Mohammed Al Owais – 39
7 Sheikh Salman bin Rashid Al Khalifa – 20
8 Prince Khalid Al Faisal – 18
9 Raed Charawi - 12
10 Ahmad Al Harthy – 9

Next round: 12 March, Bahrain

Watch highlights Round 5 of the Chevrolet Supercars Middle East Championship from Abu Dhabi on Motors TV (Sky Channel 413, Virgin Media 545) on Monday 8 March at 8.10pm (GMT).


Andy Wilkinson