Abu Dhabi: German driver Rene Rast was living his dream after he won the final race of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup to add to his championship crown that he had confirmed with a second place in Saturday's race.
"The championship title for me and the overall crown for the team on Saturday followed by today's race win … it has been such a dream for me and Veltins Lechner Racing," Rast told Gulf News after finishing ahead of Kevin Estre [Hermes Attempto Racing] and Christian Engelhart of Konrad Motorsport.
"It's amazing how I felt as I went out there and drove without any pressure [after having won the drivers' championship on Saturday]," Rast added.
Starting from pole was always an advantage for the crafty German Veltins Lechner Racing driver as he tussled with previous-day winner Nick Tandy of Konrad Motorsport. But Tandy's car struck Rast and broke the cooler, and the German powered his way to the top with the pursuing Hermes Attempto Racing driver Kevin Estre in second place and Christian Engelhart of Konrad Motorsport, in third.
"This dream can't get any better I suppose. It's a great feeling and I am unable to really describe it," Rast added.
Estre was pleased with his progression during the season. "Three podiums in the season is a good performance for me. I think I can look forward optimistically to the new season," the Frechman said. Engelhart was left celebrating his first podium after making his Abu Dhabi debut.
Celebrating their home race in fourth and fifth place was Team Abu Dhabi by tolimit duo of 2010 champion Jeroen Bleekemolen and Sean Edwards.
Standings
Top five finishers at the final race of the 2011 season for the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup at the Yas Marina Circuit:
1. Rene Rast (Veltins Lechner Racing); 2. Kevin Estre (Hermes Attempto Racing); 3. Christian Engelhart (Konrad Motorsport); 4. Jeroen Bleekemolen (Team Abu Dhabi by tolimit); 5. Sean Edwards (Team Abu Dhabi by tolimit).
