Dubai: Fernando Alonso, the two-time F1 world champion, led his outfit Puntonas to the Best New Team award for their spirit and commitment throughout the race in the final round of the 2014 Endurance Challenge at the Dubai Autodrome on Saturday.

The contest for top honours saw a keen contest between CG Racing Pro and Batelco as the two title contenders battled it by the minute. It was a bittersweet result for CG Racing Pro who, despite winning the final race of the four-round series, had to settle for second spot. However, victories in both the corporate category and Nations Cup ensured that CG Racing won the titles in both categories.

At noon on Saturday after 24 hours, when the chequered flag signalled an end to proceedings, CG Racing Pro had amassed 1131 laps, which was two more than second-placed Batelco and nine up on third-placed CG Racing 1.

Forza Union Russia were fourth, ahead of GP Racing, Dubai 5, Timeless Events Racing, Dubai Falcon Racing Team, Enoc Racers Team and Mach1 Blacklist rounding out the top ten.

Winning team owner Choueiri Group Chairman and CEO, Pierre Choueri, summed up the race: “We came here with target to win all three races this weekend. It was tough but we did it against a very strong field of drivers and teams. To Batelco I say well done for winning the title, and to my three teams I say well done boys, we did it.”

The second place in the season finale was enough to wrap up their fourth endurance title at the Kartdrome, making them the most successful team in the history of the event along with Nivea For Men Professionals.

Batelco manager Osama Al Sa’ad said: “We are very happy to win the 2014 Endurance Championship driven by Mini. Of course we would have liked to win the final race, but it was strong competition and in the end we did enough to take the title. Kartdrome is our favourite track and being on the top step of the podium here in Dubai is always a privilege.”

Alonso’s Puntonas, which included McLaren F1 test driver Stoffel Vandoorne and Ferrari race engineer Andrea Stella, were at one stage in fifth place on track but settled for 11th place — which earned them the Best New Team Award for their efforts. This was awarded to them by Jean Louis Hissette, father of the late Cristophe Hissette who won many endurance races at the venue.

Alonso, who drove a number of sessions during the night and also the final stint for his team, said afterwards, “It is a good event and very well organised, with some very good teams. I decided to enter the race and invited some of my friends, and we had a good time.”