Papantonis tops race one in round five

Abu Dhabi: Costas Papantonis took the honours in race one of round five of the Total UAE Touring Car Championship at Yas Marina circuit yesterday.

The Gulf Petrochem-backed SEAT Leon Supercopa driver managed to edge ahead of his closest rivals, Ramzi Moutran (Memac Ogilvy Duel Racing SEAT) and Nader Zuhoor in another SEAT.

Zuhoor and Moutran battled it out nose to tail until the penultimate lap, when championship points leader Zuhoor spun while chasing Moutran.

Papantonis said afterwards, "It was an excellent race. I managed to get a good start and, with the car going really well, I was able to take the win. I am very happy."

In the second race, Zuhoor bounced back in fine style to take the win from Papantonis, with Moutran third. In Class 2, reigning champion Umair Khan (Lap 57 Honda) was in top form and did the business to claim maximum points in both races.

Nabil Moutran scored the best result for a Renault Clio to date when he powered to second place in the Memac Ogilvy Duel Racing-backed car while drive of the first race would have to go to Rupesh Channake (Lap57 Honda) who started from the back of the field but took third place in Class 1. He was third again in race two.