Saturday 21 / September / 2024
Muscat: Omani sensation Al Faisal Al Zubair and the unmistakable sound of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup roared into life at the Bahrain International Circuit, as testing for Season 8 of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East got underway.
For motorsport fans the first practice sessions signal not only the start of a new series but also a new era as an impressive line-up of 17 drivers took to the track for the first time this season. This included 18-year old Al Zubair, who is making his championship debut and joins one of the biggest grids in the history of the series thanks to a host of new drivers.
Yet there was no sign of nerves from Al Zubair who consistently posted remarkable lap times amongst the quickest on the grid much to his delight and surprise of those involved in managing the series.
Speaking after testing Al Zubiar said: “It feels very good to race with Porsche as this is like a dream come true. The GT3 Cup is an incredible car but one that takes time to get used to. So to have already produced some quick times in car and on a track which is still new to me is very satisfying. I didn’t know what to expect but now I can look forward to the first race next week. I’ll not put any pressure on myself instead I’ll try to enjoy the experience and do my best.”
A fast and furious two-day test period saw all drivers grasp the opportunity to get valuable laps completed behind the wheel of a pure-bred sports car, the 911 GT3 Cup. Testing marks an important milestone in the build-up to next weekend’s opening round, also taking place in Bahrain as part of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) finale.
Commenting after a successful first testing session for the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, founder, organiser and motorsport legend Walter Lechner said: “We all knew that Al Zubair had potential and has a promising future but his performance over the last few days is remarkable. Lap after lap he grew with confidence and is in a great position entering next week. He has a lot to learn and racing is a very different experience to testing but he has the right temperament. I will follow his progress with great interest.
“To have so many cars out in testing feels very special and is the result of years of development and commitment. Now with a grid of this size and average age so young, you can sense that the championship has really come of age and evolved to reach an entirely new level. It’s hugely satisfying to have a full grid of 17 drivers packed with the perfect blend of experience and young talent, coming from both within the region and internationally.”
“The region is embracing this championship, because drivers see it as their only real chance to compete at the highest level. We are known as offering a pathway to build experience to compete on the biggest stages of international motorsport, whether it’s the 24 Hours of Le Mans or the Porsche Supercup. And if testing is anything to go by, we’ve an exciting journey ahead!”
The opening round of the six-round championship will feature two races this upcoming weekend. The first race will take place on Friday, under the lights at Sakhir, adding further to the drama of the occasion. The second race is scheduled on Saturday, ahead of the spectacular 6 Hours of Bahrain, the season finale of the well-known WEC.
With all drivers competing in identical Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars, the one-make series will consist of 12 races between November 2016 and April 2017 over six pulsating weekends across three world class regional racing circuits like the Bahrain International Circuit, Dubai Autodrome and Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.
2016-2017 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East race schedule:
Nov 17-19: Round 1 at Bahrain International Circuit, Bahrain.
Dec 9-12: Round 2 at Dubai Autodrome, UAE.
Jan 27-28, 2017: Round 3 at Dubai Autodrome, UAE.
Feb 10-11: Round 4 at Yas Marina Circuit, UAE.
Mar 3-4: Round 5 at Bahrain International Circuit, Bahrain.
Apr 14-16: Round 6 – F1 Support Race at Bahrain International Circuit, Bahrain.
