Rob Frijns in action during the practice session ahead of today’s Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East opener at the Bahrain International Circuit; (right) Frijns’ son Charlie will also be participating in the round.
By Sports Reporter/Doha
Qatar-based father and son duo Rob and Charlie Frijns will compete in the opening round of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East Season 7 today and tomorrow, and share the limelight during a special weekend of celebration for Porsche as Bahrain International Circuit plays host to FIA World Endurance Championship’s finale (WEC).
The younger Frijns will be looking to make a strong start to what is sure to be a competitive season. He has already given diehard fans at Sakhir a taste of his pace, posting the fastest time in early practice. The early times suggest Season 7 could be one of the most closely fought instalments of the GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East series ever, and have already set an early tone for a thrilling weekend of Porsche motorsport action.
The Frijns drivers of team ‘Frijns Steel Structures Middle East’ based in Doha, will join elite Porsche works drivers such as Brendon Hartley and Mark Webber, who have descended upon the desert kingdom’s track at Sakhir.
Porsche recently reinforced its credentials by clinching its first manufacturers’ world championship since 1986.
After securing the 2015 WEC constructors’ title in the LMP1 class following the penultimate round in Shanghai, Porsche now have set sights on adding the drivers’ championship and a potential four titles in total across the WEC season. It is a fitting finale and the ultimate showpiece for endurance racers.
But as one series comes to an end with Porsche at the forefront, another is just about to start with the most talented drivers from the region setting their sights on one of the most prized titles in Middle East racing.
The Frijns duo is up against rivals Clemens Schmidt, Zaid Ashkanani and Abdulaziz al-Faisal.
Speaking on the eve of the opening race, Qatar-based driver Charlie Frijns said: “I couldn’t think of a better way to start my own season than to be amongst the action and excitement of the climax to the World Endurance Championship. Porsche have had an incredible season dominating from the front in the 919 Hybrids and getting a historic win at Le Mans. As someone who has raced in a Porsche series for several years you can only take pride in those achievements and be inspired to push yourself.
“When surrounded by the quality of drivers that Porsche has in the WEC, even with my experience I still want to learn all I can and see if I can add anything to my own driving technique. After all we’ll be on the same track. Naturally it could be easy to get distracted this weekend but I’ll be very focused for qualifying and our races. It’s important to start the season well and I want to build on the good starts and progress I’ve made here. I’ll be aiming for the podium.”
Speaking ahead of the landmark seventh season, Walter Lechner, manager of the Middle East Championship, said: “Porsche has been proudly racing at the Bahrain International Circuit for over a decade. It’s been a remarkable journey from those early days to present times. To witness Porsche winning the WEC constructors’ championship while also seeing the GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East recognised as the vital lifeblood of professional racing in the region feels me with great pride. I’m honoured to be associated with this great success story and even more proud of the achievements that the drivers emerging from this championship have achieved.”
SEASON 7 Schedule
Round 1 (Bahrain International Circuit, Bahrain)
Race 1- 20th Nov 2015
Race 2- 21st Nov 2015
Round 2 (Al Reem International Circuit, KSA)
Race 3- 4th Dec 2015
Race 4- 5th Dec 2015
Round 3 (Yas Marina Circuit, UAE)
Race 5 – 22nd Jan 2016
Race 6 - 22nd Jan 2016
Round 4 (Dubai Autodrome, UAE)
Race 7- 29th Jan 2016
Race 8- 30th Jan 2016
Round 5 (Dubai Autodrome, UAE)
Race 9 - 19th Feb 2016
Race10 - 19th Feb 2016
Round 6 (Bahrain International Circuit, Bahrain)
Race 11 - 4th March 2016
Race 12 - 5th March 2016
