Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge launched

Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East manager Walter Lechner with BIC chief executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa al-Khalifah at the press meet. (Right) Saudi Falcons' Abdulaziz al-Faisal at the launch of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge, in Manama, yesterday.

By Sports Reporter/Manama

The fifth season of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East was officially inaugurated yesterday at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), promising even more absorbing race action and the debut of the new generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.

An unprecedented 20-car line-up for the opening rounds spanning 11 nations, including elite drivers from the UAE, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Bahrain, will take control of the stunning all new 911 GT3 Cup. This is the first time in the world that a new car has been introduced for a regional race championship.

Regarded as the purest form of racing, featuring past champions, veterans and home-grown emerging talent, the fifth season will once again tour the region's iconic circuits over 12 intense rounds as drivers compete head to head for individual and team titles.

The hugely anticipated opening rounds of the Middle East’s only professional race series will take place today and tomorrow at Bahrain’s home of motorsports, the BIC, during the prestigious World Endurance Championship weekend.

Speaking at the series launch press conference, Walter Lechner, manager of Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, said: “Over four years ago Porsche had an ambitious vision to establish a truly professional race series for the Middle East. A championship created to inspire a new generation of Arab racing drivers while opening up the world of motorsport.

“Today marks a defining moment as the Porsche vision has become a reality. A world-class championship now proudly exists featuring the best drivers and real rivalries. We have a series that offers a competitive motorsport experience like no other in the region.

“Looking ahead to the new season the strength and depth of the talent on the grid from around this region is remarkable. When you combine such fearless drivers with the introduction of the new generation 911 GT3 cup this championship is guaranteed to be the best yet.”

Reigning champion Clemens Schmid will once again be the driver to catch. He can expect tough competition from two-time winner Abdulaziz al-Faisal, teammate Karim al-Azhari and up-and-coming stars like Faisal Binladen, Zaid Ashkanani and the only female on the grid, Denmark’s Christina Nielsen.

This season will also see Skydive Dubai Falcons making their debut in the series and flying the flag for the UAE, alongside Al Nabooda Racing. Sheikh Hasher al-Maktoum and Saeed al-Mehairi will be hoping to make an impact and provide reigning Silver Michelin category champion Binladen a stiff challenge.

A pure-bred sports car that has set new performance records, the new 911 GT3 Cup features a 3.8-litre flat-six engine producing 460hp.

For the first time ever, the car comes with a newly-developed Porsche six-speed sequential gearbox with an electro-pneumatic paddle shift system making gear changes even faster. The result: one of the most iconic and successful race cars in the world just got even quicker.

Competition across all four race categories including overall driver standings, Silver Michelin, Mobil 1 Bronze and team titles are expected to be more intense than ever with several teams and individuals fighting for honours.

After securing victory in the Bronze category last season, Manfred Ender will be looking to defend his title while team title holders Al Nabooda Racing can expect a tough challenge from the likes of Saudi Falcons, as both teams look to cement their status as the region’s premier crew.