Championship leader Charlie Frijns of Qatar was back in action today for the third round of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East and has qualified in third position for the opening of two races over the weekend.
Doha-resident Frijns featured in qualifying as part of a strong grid of 16 international drivers who all returned to the Dubai Autodrome with clear minds and strong intentions for the remainder of Season 8 following a six-week layoff.
It’s been a long and anxious wait for Frijns who sits at the top of the driver standings alongside Ireland’s Ryan Cullen. But a refreshed and eager looking Frijns was ready to prove he had lost none of his speed over the winter break as he managed to secure impressive lap times ahead of the first race in 2017.
Speaking after qualifying Frijns said: “I’m a lot more comfortable on the track than I am sitting on the lead and waiting to race again. I’d a good break winter break and it gave me a chance to recharge and refocus so I’m pleased to be back but disappointed to miss out on the front row for the first race. Since I’ve never won the championship before and I’m having the best season of my career, the way I look at it, I’ve nothing to lose.”