Drivers return for season final

Season 7 of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East concludes this weekend as the Middle East’s most professional one-make series returns to Bahrain for a thrilling weekend of top-flight racing.

The action on the 5.41km track at Bahrain International Circuit will throw up a suitable challenge for the strong grid of 13 cars with drivers from eight nationalities, as they take on two 12-lap races today and tomorrow.

For experienced Bahraini driver Jaber Al Khalifa everything comes down to this final round. The stage is perfectly set for the veteran driver to win his category and take the driver’s title in front of a home crowd in Bahrain. Jaber won’t be alone in his efforts this weekend with fellow Bahraini drivers Isa Al Khalifa and Ali Al Khalifa making a return to their home track to strengthen Team Bahrain in the final round of the season.

Jaber has delivered some impressive displays across the course of the season, and been consistent in his search for the title in the Bronze category. The seasoned driver currently sits on top of the driver’s standings in his category, 21 points ahead of second place rival Rob Frijns. Having reached the podium twice here during Round 1 of the season, being back in Bahrain brings a sense of confidence ahead of this all-important season finale.

Jaber said, “I have had such a great season racing for Team Bahrain, and for me, opening and closing the championship here in Bahrain is amazing. It is my home track and I know it better than all the other tracks we’ve raced at this season so I’m hoping it will prove lucky again for me this weekend. I am also very excited to be racing alongside team mates Isa and Ali Al Khalifa and hope to win the title at my home circuit.”

The championship started in November 2015 and has featured 12 rounds in Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and Dubai with Jeffrey Schmidt (UAE, Al Nabooda Racing 225 points) the overall leader, followed by Zaid Ashkanani (Kuwait, Al Nabooda Racing, 199) in second and Ryan Cullen (Ireland, Cullen Motorsport, 191) third.

Action in the GT3 is part of the National Racing Festival day and includes the sixth round of the 2015/2016 BIC 2,000cc Challenge.