The strongest line-up for testing days in the history of Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East has been in action, as official pre-season testing got under way at the Bahrain International Circuit.

Four one hour long practice sessions allowed valuable track time to seasoned professionals and rookies ahead of Rounds 1 and 2 on the November 16 and 17, giving all drivers a chance to get to grips with the iconic Porsche GT3 Cup on the challenging inner track at BIC.

Setting the early pace were Al Nabooda Racing duo of Karim Al Azhari and Clemens Schmid, who drove the fastest times in session three. Schmid, who made a huge impression on the series last season, recorded a time of 1:06 min., while Al Azhari followed closely with 1:07 min. Looking back at an incident free testing, Walter Lechner, Manager of Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge, said: “The testing sessions are all about the drivers building confidence, speed and feeling one with the car and the circuit. More importantly, they also gain important data for the weekend.  Being back in Bahrain on the eve of a new series with such a strong grid is a special feeling. You could see the excitement in the driver’s eyes.”

The fourth season welcomes back 19-year-old Qatari, Abdul Rahman Al Thani, who only competed in one race last season, on his home turf at the Losail International Circuit.

The youngster, who will be driving for Gebhardt Qatar GT, said after producing an impression lap time of 1:07 min.: “It’s great to be back on the track and drive a Porsche GT3 Cup again. Today was really pleasing as the times kept on dropping throughout the sessions and that’s what I wanted when it was my time on the track.”