Shaikh Salman in fine form at BIC
Former champion Shaikh Salman bin Rashid Al Khalifa last weekend returned to his home track of the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) to post some of the quickest times in testing as the countdown continues towards a thrilling seventh season of Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East.
Shaikh Salman of Team Bahrain last claimed the driver’s title in the second season of the championship in 2011 after a close battle with Saudi champion Abdulaziz Al Faisal and after a two year absence from racing he was amongst the early pace setters over the weekend clocking the fifth fastest time of fourteen cars on track with one day of testing remaining.
This was an encouraging sign ahead of the new season with Round One this Friday and Saturday, followed by a further five rounds at Al Reem International Circuit, Saudi Arabia next month, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi and Dubai Autodrome in January, returning to Dubai Autodrome in February for the fifth round and concluding in March at the BIC.
Speaking after testing Shaikh Salman said, “It’s great to be back in a Porsche and back on the track especially in Bahrain. There is no better feeling or sound than the GT3 engine roaring into life. Testing has been a good chance for me to get to grips with the car once again as well as see old friends and rivals like Al Faisal who is also returning to this championship as well as some new faces. It is going to be a tough challenge as the pace has got even quicker over recent seasons. But I’ve already made good progress in the track time that I’ve had and it was good to get amongst the top six in practise.”
Photo Caption: Porsche car during the Testing
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