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The TCR season began much earlier than usual in 2017 when the
newest regional series held its opening rounds in mid January. TCR
Middle East consisted of three events, held in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and
Bahrain, and saw several teams and drivers take full advantage of the
opportunity to race in what is traditionally the European ‘closed
season’.
Rounds 1 and 2 saw the honours shared by Liqui Moly Team Engstler
teammates Luca Engstler and Brandon Gdovic. Engstler – the 16-year
old son of team owner and Touring Car veteran Franz – drove
faultlessly to claim victory in his first ever Touring Car race, while
Michela Cerruti gave the Mulsanne Racing Alfa Romeo Giulietta its
maiden TCR podium by finishing second and Gdovic finished third.
In a 1,2,3 for Liqui Moly Team Engstler, Gdovic then won the second
race ahead of Mat’o Homola and Filip Sla
́
decka although a time penalty
following a collision with Sla
́
decka denied James Kaye a possible
victory in the CadSpeed Racing Audi RS 3 LMS.
STANDINGS
MIDDLE EAST
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