8Star set for championship showdown in Bahrain

Sakhir, Bahrain (Nov. 26, 2013) – After six events held on four different continents, totaling more than 50 hours of racing, it all comes down to one final race, as 8Star Motorsports sets its sights on the 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship. The Florida-based organization heads into Saturday’s season-ending 6 Hours of Bahrain with a chance of walking away as World Champions in the LM GTE-AM class.

With victories in the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps and the most recent race in Shanghai, plus two additional podium finishes, the 8Star team has moved to second in the championship standings, only 5 points from the lead. Meanwhile, drivers Enzo Potolicchio and Rui Aguas are 9 points behind in the drivers’ championship. A total of 26 points are up for grabs in the season finale, held at the 3.363-mile Bahrain International Circuit, which is located on the western shores of the Persian Gulf.

The objective is clear for drivers Potolicchio, Aguas and Davide Rigon: to win. A victory, no matter where the competition finishes, would give 8Star the prestigious World Championship title. A finish on the top step of the podium for the orange-colored No. 81 Ferrari, and a result of third or lower for the title-contending No. 96 Aston Martin, would also ensure the drivers’ championship to 8Star’s full-season pairing of Potolicchio and Aguas.

“The win in China put us back in contention for the championship and we just have to continue doing our jobs this weekend,” said Potolicchio. “Our pit stops were amazing in Shanghai. We gained a lot of time. I think the whole team is pushing hard to have another perfect race and come home with the win. We’re all at our best levels heading into Bahrain. It’s a good time to be at your best to finish the season strong.”

Potolicchio could become the first driver to claim back-to-back World Championships in the FIA WEC, following his career-defining 2012 season that included victories in the 12 Hours of Sebring, 24 Hours of Le Mans and the LMP2 Championship.

“Bahrain is a track I like,” Potolicchio continued. “I was really fast here in the LMP2 car last year. We were leading the race until the final pit stop when there was a starter motor issue due to the heat. But we finished on the podium anyways. This time, I think we will be fine. The Ferrari was also good there last year. It's a kind of track that the Ferrari likes, with the change in direction and long corners.”

In addition to its recent globe-trotting efforts in the FIA WEC, 8Star is coming off a successful test at Daytona International Speedway in preparation for the 2014 TUDOR United SportsCar Championship. The team also plans to return to the IMSA-sanctioned Cooper Tire Prototype Lites powered by Mazda Championship next year.

Activities from Bahrain International Circuit begin with two Free Practice sessions on Thursday. Qualifying is set for Friday afternoon, with the FIA WEC 6 Hours of Bahrain getting underway Saturday at 3 p.m. local time (7 a.m. ET).

8Star Motorsports