All eyes now were on the Canal/Tan battle, the gap down to just three-tenths as the pair went line-astern down the main straight and disappeared into turn one. Just over a minute later, a white Ralph-Firman designed single seater hoved into view out of turn 16. Alone.
A storming drive from Tan secured him the final podium position on the very last lap, with Bintouq coming round shortly after to take fifth place. Sultan Al Ali and Rajpal came home sixth and seventh, positions, like Bintouq, they would repeat in race two. Canal, having spun whilst trying to defend a late-brake lunge from Tan, finished fourth. A shake of the head in the cockpit as the #5 machine toured down pit road said it all.
So, a hard-fought season for all concerned and multiple winners to list. But who emulated Lebanon’s Joe Ghanem as the new Formula Gulf 1000 Champion? Well, FIA-related complications concerning international drivers scoring points (which are both too convoluted and ridiculous to bother going into here) mean the official 2012/2013 champion is Nicholas Canal, just ahead of Saeed Bintouq and Haytham Sultan Al Ali. Richly deserved accolades for all three after an impressive debut season for each, but this is not the only silverware being handed out. To acknowledge her stirling efforts throughout the 2012/2013 season, the GulfSport Trophy was awarded to Natasha Seatter, who fended off late charges from Rahul Mayer and Canal in (what turned out to be) a surprisingly close contest.
In a great gesture of sportsmanship, both Seatter and Canal held the Formula Gulf Championship trophy aloft together for the official end of season photos. A moment to remember, of which there have been many in 2012/2013. One hopes there will be more of the same next year.
– FULL GALLERY OF SHOTS AVAILABLE HERE – CLICK – Shots courtesy of David Benson
