Reema Juffali tasted success in her International GT Open debut at the Circuito do Estoril by taking victory in the Pro-Am class at the legendary Portuguese venue.

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Racing the SPS Automotive-run #18 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO, Reema qualified fifth in class for the first race of the 2022 season and lined up 12th overall on the grid.

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In the face of a chaotic start to the 70-minute affair, she carefully avoided a four-car collision on lap one which caused a subsequent red flag stoppage, lasting for 30 minutes.

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When the race resumed, Reema ascended to 10th and after 30 minutes behind the wheel, boxed for the series’ compulsory pitstop to hand the reins to team-mate Adam Christodoulou.

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After a perfectly-executed driver change, Adam continued to rise through the ranks to fourth overall, with the duo making up a collective eight positions during the race.

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As a result, Reema secured her first win in GT racing, emerging as the victor in the International GT Open’s competitive Pro-Am class on debut.

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Reema Juffali

“Coming into this weekend, I wasn’t sure as to how my pace would fare against the other Pro-Am drivers. I tried to keep it consistent and clean so I could get the car back in one piece for Adam. He did a fantastic job and this is the best way we could start the season. Overall, I’m very happy and from here I want to improve on my pace and achieve this result all over again. Hopefully this is a sign of what’s to come.”

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The 2022 International GT Open will continue on Sunday, 1 May for a second race at Estoril.