DUBAI: Across seven previous editions of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, Dubai has been one of the most exciting and important rounds. Now in Season 8, the spotlight is firmly on the much-loved Autodrome with the series’ new rookie drivers, including Oman’s Al Faisal al Zubair expected to take centre stage in the region’s most professional racing series.
On December 9 and 10 the lights will go green at the 5.39 km track where racers from Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi will get their first taste of what has traditionally been one of the most thrilling rounds of the series where some unexpected results and wins against all odds have been recorded. For the new drivers, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity as they look to build their credentials and experience on the regional stage.
The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East is unique in its ability to blood and develop new racing talent from across the region with the current season perhaps one of the best examples of the series’ attraction. Having secured their first taste of professional, competitive motorsport at the highest levels through Round 1 in Bahrain, all eyes will be on the future hopes of Middle Eastern Motorsport as the rookies prepare do battle in Dubai and challenge for the prestigious GCC Porsche Rookie Championship title.
For Team Oman’s Al Faisal al Zubair the future is bright and the youngster is looking to Dubai to cement a solid start to the season as he develops his racing prowess. In the GCC debutants category, the GCC Porsche Rookie Championship, Al Zubair secured consecutive podium finishes in the first two races of Season 8.
After a ninth place finish in Race 2, Al Zubair is sitting proudly in second place in the GCC Porsche Rookie Championship standings after the first two of twelve races with the Omani hopeful now looking to Dubai as a new opportunity to refine his skills, learn a new track and secure some points as he aims for top honours.
Speaking ahead of the upcoming Dubai round, Al Zubair said: “Round 1 in Bahrain was my first two races in the championship and it was such a great experience. Racing in a competitive environment like this in the Middle East is exactly what I’ve always dreamed of, this is my chance to really develop my racing skills and push as hard as I can for a strong finish in the overall championship standings.
“The GCC Porsche rookie category is a great opportunity for us younger drivers to compete amongst each other and provide us with our own challenge within the overall championship. All the drivers in the category are strong and determined to prove ourselves, so to be able to top this category in Dubai would be a great achievement.” Commenting on the Season 8 rookies, Walter Lechner, the owner of Lechner Racing, and founder and manager of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, added: “Dubai is another key step in the development of these young talents. The Autodrome has always delivered tight races. It is a quick and technical circuit and we’ll be looking for the drivers to seize every opportunity to maximise their points and hone their skills. It’s great to see them coming into a race like this with that young enthusiasm and hunger for victory — that is what our series is all about.”
“We want to be giving drivers the opportunity to compete at the highest levels and our rookies will definitely get that. They will learn a huge amount in their time here as they experience a track for the first time and it will be an opportunity for us to work on new aspects of their skills. The second round of the championship featuring the third and fourth races of the twelve race season will take place at Dubai Autodrome on December 9 and 10.”
Championship standings after Race 2 – Season 8
(Driver, country, category, points)
1. Dylan Pereira (LUX), Gold, 46
2. Ryan Cullen (IRE), Gold, 44
3. Charlie Frijns (QAT), Gold, 42
4. Dennis Olsen (NOR), Gold, 40
5. Tom Oliphant (GBR), Gold, 38
6. Bander Alesayi (KSA), Silver, 30
GCC Rookie Championship standings after Race 2 – Season 8
1. Isa A al Khalifa (BAH), Silver, 28
2. Al Faisal al Zubair (OMA), Silver, 26
3. Isa S al Khalifa (BAH), Bronze, 20
4. Mohammad al Saud (KSA), Bronze, 15
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