On Friday 5th December, the second series of the Speedcar Championship got underway in perfect conditions in Dubai. The strong field features a host of former Grand Prix stars including Jean Alesi, Heinz-Harald Frentzen, Vitantonio Liuzzi and the reigning champion from the first series Johnny Herbert.

After testing at the same circuit earlier in the month all the teams and drivers felt comfortable with the circuit and new specification of cars for the 08/09 season. However it was Vitantonio Liuzzi who felt completely at ease after taking pole position for the opening race.

Vitantonio, who would be making his debut in the series, made a good start to the race, but not good enough as Heinz-Harald Frentzen made a pass into the first corner. The two then battled it out at the front with Christopher Zoechling, the three way dice coming to an abrupt end when Christopher ran down the inside and forced Heinz-Harald wide which allowed Vitantonio back through into the lead.

There was then a small safety car period as the marshals had to get to the striken car of Stefan Johanson after it flipped onto its roof following an incident involving Jean Alesi and Marcel Tiemann. This caused the field to bunch back up together, however Vitantonio was not to be denied and managed to hold his nerve as he made the perfect restart leading the field home to take a well deserved debut victory in the series.

The second race scheduled for the day after had to be cancelled because of adverse weather conditions.

Race 1 Result :

1. Vitantonio Liuzzi
2. Heniz-Harald Frentzen
3. Gianni Morbidelli
4. Johnny Herbert
5. Hasher Al-Maktoum