Tuukka Taponen was second in the first start of the race weekend in Abu Dhabi.
Tuukka Taponen leads the Middle Eastern small formula series with another 25 points. FORMULA K
The Middle East small formula series has already progressed to the penultimate race weekend, when the Yas Marina track in Abu Dhabi hosts the formula racers of the future.
There are usually three starts during the weekend, but exceptionally the first of them was raced already on Friday.
Ferrari junior Tuukka Taponen started in the first start from the second grid, immediately the worst competitor by Taylor Barnard from behind.
The two also came to the checkered flag in the same order, although the Finn had the fastest lap of the race. The duo was in a class of their own because they finished third Costa Toparis was already more than five seconds behind the winner.
The difference between Taponen and Barnard was 0.423 seconds at the checkered flag.
Barnard’s win reduced Taponen’s points lead, but it is still a safe 25 points. There are still five races left in the series, the first two of which will be raced on Saturday (starts at 8:00 and 11:30).
Taponen gets to the pole position in Saturday’s second race, while the starting order of the first is determined by Friday’s race (top ten in reverse order).