GT4 European Series Season Finale: Cresswell and Hart Crowned Champions
In a thrilling conclusion to the GT4 European Series at the Autoódromo Internacional do Algarve, McKenzie Cresswell and Charlie Hart of Elite Motorsport secured the Drivers’ Championship in dramatic fashion. The duo, driving the #78 McLaren Artura GT4, fended off rivals Enrico Förderer and Cedric Fuchs from SR Motorsport by Schnitzelalm across two intense races, concluding the weekend with a narrow five-point advantage.
Race 1 Highlights
Race 1 witnessed a remarkable debut victory for Jay Mo Härtling and Joel Mesch, who surged from 14th on the grid to claim the win. The duo executed a masterful race strategy amid chaotic conditions, marked by multiple incidents, including a significant collision that forced championship contender Hart to retire early with severe damage to his McLaren.
Alon Gabbay initially led the race in the #31 W&S Motorsport Porsche but lost the lead to Charlie Robertson’s #71 Elite Motorsport McLaren after a full-course yellow. The race saw multiple lead changes and strategic pit stops, culminating in Härtling taking the lead shortly before the final caution period.
In the concluding laps, Cedric Förderer finished fourth in class despite entering the race trailing Hart. He would ultimately face a five-point deficit in the championship standings following this race.
Race 2 Highlights
Race 2 delivered even more excitement. Paul Petit and Gregory Guilvert triumphed in the #8 Team Speedcar Audi, but the focus remained on the fierce battle for the Silver Drivers’ title between Hart and Förderer. Starting from pole, Cresswell quickly faced pressure from competitors Petit and Härtling, who snatched the lead early.
The key moment unfolded during the pit stops, where the dynamic shifted as Förderer emerged from the pits closer to Hart. The tension escalated when Mesch strategically slowed to help his teammates before Guilvert overtook him, extending the lead for SR Motorsport. Hart regained composure and reclaimed the lead in a crucial bout, ultimately locking in the championship in a tense finale.
Overall, Hart’s assertive driving and strategic decisions proved pivotal, enabling him to clinch the championship title.
Championship Summation
In the end, Cresswell and Hart’s consistent performances allowed them to hold off their closest rivals and secure both individual and team victories, while Elite Motorsport also claimed the Silver Teams’ Championship by five points. The weekend concluded with further accolades, as Daniel Blickle won the Am Drivers’ championship, affirming his success throughout the series.
Results Overview
- Race 1 Winner: Jay Mo Härtling / Joel Mesch (SR Motorsport by Schnitzelalm)
- Race 2 Winner: Paul Petit / Gregory Guilvert (Team Speedcar Audi)
- Drivers’ Champions: McKenzie Cresswell / Charlie Hart (Elite Motorsport)
- Am Drivers’ Champion: Daniel Blickle (GR Racing Sweden)
For the detailed race results and standings, further insight into the performance of the teams and their strategies can be consulted in the post-race analysis. This season confirmed the GT4 European Series as a hotbed for competitive racing, punctuated by spectacular performances and high-stakes drama.
