Two one-hour races at Circuit de Catalunya will decide the outcome of the GT World Challenge Europe Bronze Cup this weekend, with Dan Harper and team-mate Darren Leung leading the title contenders.
The Century Motorsport duo moved to the top of the standings courtesy of a double victory at Germany’s famous Hockenheim circuit in July — and managed to maintain the position despite Harper having a visit to forget at Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours at the end of August.
Harper was on the receiving end of time penalties from stewards at both French races, with the first costing him victory after his BMW M4 GT3 survived side-by-side contact with the leading Ferrari.
The Race Two reprimand — which Harper collected having been deemed to have caused an earlier incident — dropped him and Leung from fourth to eighth.
The biggest threat to Harper and Leung’s nine-and-a-half-point advantage is expected to come once again from the Barwell Motorsport Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2 co-driven by Rob Collard and Sandy Mitchell on Saturday and Sunday.
Sitting a further two and a half points behind are Jonathan Hui and Eddie Cheever in the No.93 Sky Tempesta Racing Ferrari 296 GT3, with Dustin Blatter and Dennis Marschall (Rutronik Racing Porsche) also in the hunt for overall glory, 20 points off the summit but still capable of causing a potential upset.
“I am really excited to be back for the final round of the Sprint Cup. I’ve had a brilliant year with Darren and the BMW M4 has been flying,” said 23-year-old Harper.
“We didn’t get the results and points we deserved in Magny-Cours due to a couple of errors on my part, but crucially we have the points lead going into the final two races and know what we need to do.
“It is going to be a big battle this weekend, the circuit should suit the Lamborghini and we know how quick Rob and Sandy are.
“We will do the best job we can and hopefully come away victorious.
“Personally, I have had a tricky run in my last few events, so hopefully the luck turns back in my favour and we can enjoy a successful end to the Sprint Cup season.”
Harper and Leung make up a field of 32 cars for Saturday’s race (1.00pm) with the same line-up taking their place on the grid for Sunday’s final short format competition of the season (1.00pm).