Isaac Tutumlu, a Catalan driver of Kurdish heritage racing for the Kurdistan Racing Team, secured second place with his teammate Arthur Rougier in the second round of the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup, held in Misano, Italy.

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“We started in second position, and I managed to take the lead early on,” said Tutumlu. “We held the lead for a long time despite multiple mechanical issues – with the gearbox, shocks, and ABS system. Unfortunately, during the pit stop, we somehow lost the lead, and we’re still not entirely sure how that happened,” Tutumlu told Kurdistan Chronicle.

“Despite all of that, we fought hard and managed to keep second place,” he continued. “My teammate, Arthur, also did a fantastic job behind the wheel.”

Tutumlu explained that the team is planning to implement important upgrades to the car ahead of the next round.

“Due to the current lack of upgrades, we estimate we’re losing between half a second and seven-tenths per lap – and on top of that, the gearbox issue during the race made us more than a second slower. To still finish on the podium, and finish the race at all, feels like a miracle.

“Today’s race in Misano was extremely tough because we faced problems throughout the weekend. But to come away with second place under these circumstances feels more like a victory than anything else,” he added.

Tutumlu said the Kurdistan Racing Team is now preparing for the next GT World Challenge race in two weeks at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, a 4.411 kilometer motor racing circuit located in central France.

“We’re back in the fight for the championship,” Tutumlu concluded.