![\"Williams](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/JamesVowlesTwitterGT.jpg\")
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJames Vowles has made a successful return to racing in Abu Dhabi. Image: James Vowles on X<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJames Vowles has made a successful return to racing in Abu Dhabi. Image: James Vowles on X<\/p>\n
The Williams Racing team principal took part in the end-of-season GT3-based endurance event at Yas Marina Circuit, helping Garage 59\u2019s #8 McLaren 720S GT3 claim victory in the Am category, underlining a successful comeback to the driver\u2019s seat.<\/p>\n
Vowles shared the car with Alexander West, Marco Pulcini, and Mark Sansom. The quartet finished 10th overall in a competitive 20-car field. The result came after a strong qualifying performance that set the tone for the race weekend.<\/p>\n
Celebrating the outcome on social media, Vowles praised the collective effort across the Garage 59 lineup, highlighting both the team result and his own performance during qualifying.<\/p>\n
\u201cFantastic! Am category winners after 12 tough hours of racing alongside some incredible drivers and teams,\u201d said Vowles.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis victory means that, for the second consecutive year, Garage 59 leaves the Gulf 12 Hours as class winners.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom 09:00 this morning through until 23:00 this evening, we gave it everything and we couldn\u2019t be happier with this result.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you to everyone for the support over the past few days and those who came out in person.<\/p>\n
Vowles also praised his teammates in the victory.<\/p>\n
\u201cA final thanks to Alex, Mark and Marco. Brilliant teammates,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you to Garage 59. Really happy with my progress and a weekend I won\u2019t forget.\u201d<\/p>\n
The previous day, Vowles also celebrated his performance, particularly on his personal contribution behind the wheel, having impressed during his qualifying group.<\/p>\n
\u201cP1 in class, P4 in Pro-Am (without a pro!) and P13 overall for the team today out in Abu Dhabi. Well done, really strong qualifying and great laps from Alex, Mark and Marco,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn a personal note, I was delighted to claim P2 in Group 1 of qualifying. Fastest bronze \u2013 good start, long way to go.\u201d<\/p>\n
The appearance marked Vowles\u2019 first competitive sports car outing since racing in the Asian Le Mans Series in 2022, when he also drove for Garage 59.<\/p>\n
His decision to return to GT3 racing came after carefully balancing his responsibilities in F1 with a long-standing desire to race again.<\/p>\n
Earlier in the year, Vowles explained that he had been unwilling to commit to a return until he felt Williams was in a strong enough position to allow him to step away briefly from his day-to-day duties.<\/p>\n
That confidence followed the team\u2019s most successful campaign in recent years, finishing fifth in the constructors\u2019 championship with multiple podiums during the 2025 season.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s probably worth doing is winding back from that, which is, \u2018Why am I doing this?\u2019\u201d Vowles told Sportscar365.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause it seems like an odd thing to do. There\u2019s enough racing in my life. There are several things. One, I did GT3 racing in Asian Le Mans with this team, and I loved it. I learnt a lot from it.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Williams boss pointed to both his enjoyment of the category and the stability of his F1 role as key factors behind the decision.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs I transitioned to Williams, I wanted Williams to be in a solid place so that I could afford to take a week out of it and really focus on something else. So that\u2019s number one,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Vowles\u2019 Gulf 12 Hours appearance came just a week after the conclusion of the F1 season at the same venue, with the race once again proving a popular end-of-year fixture for GT competitors.<\/p>\n
Groves take Gulf 12 Hours podium, Tigani quartet win class<\/a><\/p>\n
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