It will serve as a good opportunity for Oman’s Ahmad al Harthy to collect silverware in the Middle East’s only professional series.
Porsche driver Ahmad is hoping to be at his best at this event and will be looking to secure valuable points alongside teammate Clemens Schmid in at attempt to secure the team championship.
The team contest will see an outright contest between the reigning champion Al Nabooda Racing (Schmid-Ahmad 351 points) and Skydive Dubai Falcons (Hasher al Maktoum-Saeed al Mehairi 343).
Speaking ahead of a practice session, Walter Lechner, the manager of Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, said, “For drivers and fans of motor sport in this region, this series has served up the ideal scenario.
“Ten years ago, Porsche first supported Formula One in Bahrain. So it’s very special to have the deciding final round of a dedicated Middle East championship witnessed by full grandstands as the world of motor sport looks on.”
As an official support race, the track time will be hugely reduced compared to usual Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East weekends. The Porsche drivers will have to share the track with both Formula One and GP2 series,
resulting in only one practice and one qualifying session for both races.
Speaking ahead of practice, Ahmad said, “I cannot wait to race. It’s been a few months since the last round in Dubai, UAE. But then I have been racing in the British GT Championship and I feel well prepared for Bahrain. This weekend is extra special since the Formula One race is happening here. It’s a big boost to know you are sharing the same track with the biggest names in motor sport.”
The Muscat-based racer added, “I guess it’s a bit like playing football at the Wembley Stadium. It’s still football, it’s the same rules, but when you compete in this kind of an environment, there is an excitement in the air. You know everyone is watching you, it’s a chance to impress them and prove your talent. Plus, the title is on the line. We’ve worked hard all season and we are determined to retain the title.”
Drivers’ standings (top five):
1 Clemens Schmid (UAE), Al Nabooda Racing (240 pts), 2 Zaid Ashkanani (Kuwait), BuzaidGT (228), 3 Saeed al Mehairi (UAE), Skydive Dubai Falcons (177), 4 Charlie Frijns (Netherlands), Team Frijns (170), 5 Hasher al Maktoum (UAE), Skydive Dubai Falcons (166).
Team standings (top five):
1 Al Nabooda Racing (351), 2 Skydive Dubai Falcons (343), 3 BuZaid GT (268), 4 Classic Arabia Racing (258), 5 Team Bahrain (220).