Frijns Ignites GT3 Challenge

Manama : Charlie Frijns charged to victory to end an exciting first round of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East as part of the Bahrain Motor Festival yesterday at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir.

The Qatar-based Dutchman started from pole and got away cleanly at the lights and maintained his lead over the 12-lap sprint course and hold off a brilliant challenge from top rival Dylan Pereira of Luxembourg.

Frijns secured victory in 25 minutes 09.068 seconds, while Pereira (+1.168) was second and Dennis Olsen (+4.924) third to round off the podium places and all three drivers were competing in the gold class.

Meanwhile, Shaikh Isa bin Abdulla Al Khalifa was the winner of the Porsche GT3 GCC Rookie Class. Shaikh Isa beat Oman’s Al Faisal Al Zubar to the top spot, while Team Bahrain partner Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa claimed third place.

In the silver category, Bandar Alesayi from Saudi Arabia was the winner, followed closely by Shaikh Isa bin Abdulla with Germany’s Wolfgang Triller third. Team Bahrain’s Shaikh Isa bin Salman won the bronze class ahead of runner-up Sweden’s Magnus Ohman and compatriot Christoffer Bergstrom in third.

The second round of the season is set for the Dubai Autodrome on December 9 and 10.