Set for closest finish: GT3 HOTTER THAN EVER

The weekend is set for the closest finish to the team title in the history of Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East when the region’s leading race series concludes as part of the official 2015 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sakhir International Circuit, Bahrain.

After five gruelling rounds and ten races across Bahrain, Qatar and Dubai since November 2014, only 10 points separate two UAE teams and fierce rivals hailing from Dubai Al Nabooda Racing and Skydive Dubai Falcons. It is a brilliant head to head battle that has captivated the series with little between the two teams. But all will be decided this weekend in a fitting climax to the sixth season.

Reigning team champions Al Nabooda Racing (351 points) comprises of experienced duo Clemens Schmid and Ahmad Al Harthy and enter the final two races ahead in the team standings ahead of the emerging Skydive Dubai Falcons (341) thanks to consistent drives by teammates Saeed Al Mehairi and Shaikh Hasher Al Maktoum.

 Difficult task 

For many close to the sport including series organiser and Manager of Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East Walter Lecher, determining an overall team winner is just too difficult.

Speaking ahead of the final round he said, ““The team title has been an incredible fight with every qualifying, lap and podium position counting. So it’s been wonderful to watch the intense rivalry and mutual respect unfold. Al Nabooda Racing only know victory in the team championship. They have all the experience Schmid and Al Harthy but will also face the pressure of expectation and two gifted drivers from Skydive Dubai Falcons who are growing in confidence and testimony to the strength and depth of Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East and the quality of local talent emerging.”

Schmid leads

Al Nabooda will look for a maximum return from former champion Schmid who leads the overall driver’s standings and is 12 points clear of reigning champion Zaid Ashkanani after seven victories out of ten races to date, but will depend on teammate Ahmad Al Harthy’s ability to match or beat the performances of Skydive Dubai Falcons.

Team Manager of Skydive Dubai Falcons, Hadi Al Bloushi said, “When we first started out in Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East our goal was to win the team category. The fact that we now have the opportunity to achieve that goal as part of a Formula 1 weekend is very special. It’s exactly why we’re in motorsport.”

“I know hearts will be pounding and the adrenaline will be flowing. It’s been a fantastic team effort. Saeed and Hasher have worked so hard and pushed each other to be at their very best and though the competitive spirit between the two has really helped the team with Saeed and Hasher high on the individual driver’s standings the priority has always been the team. So there are no team orders, apart from win as both would dearly love to capture the title.”

 Thrilling finale 

Al Nabooda Racing and Skydive Dubai Falcons have dominated the championship with Kuwait’s BuZiad GT (266 points) or Classic Arabia Racing (258 points) of Saudi Arabia fighting it out for third place.

A thrilling season finale to decide the driver’s and team championships begins with the opening race of the sixth and final round scheduled for 4.30pm on Saturday and the second race and final race of the season at 3:30pm on Sunday ahead of the 2015 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.