Podium finish for Jaber Al Khalifa

Team Bahrain’s Jaber Al Khalifa delivered yet another consistent display to secure third place in the Bronze Category in Race 1 of Round 4 of the region’s most professional racing series, the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East at Dubai Autodrome on Friday.

After pressing hard in qualifying Al Khalifa reaped the rewards in an action packed Race 1 which was won by Ryan Cullen of Ireland over former Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East champion Abdulaziz Al Faisal. Qatar-based Charlie Frijns finished third.

Few could have predicted the shock result following the domination of Al Nabooda’s invincible driver Jeffrey Schmidt who had claimed victory in all six of the previous races of Season 7, was forced to retire after lap 1.

The result means Al Khalifa is first in the Bronze Category and with five races to go this season.

“I’m really happy with the result as we came here for a podium and that’s exactly what we achieved. Of course you have to push and be ambitious in motor racing but taking risks rarely pay off and I got the result, which was important with the Bronze Category very competitive this year so I need to stay focused and deliver across the remainder of the season.”

The notorious tight right-hand corner at the end of the start finish straight has always been pivotal in determining race results at the circuit and claimed Schmidt who had a bad start by his own high standards.

He saw a charging Ashkanani close in on the race lead as the teammates entered the opening corner. But the duo misjudged their track positions with Ashkanani spinning out and Schmidt forced to retire.

The second race of the round was being held yesterday over 12 laps.