The penultimate round of Season 8 of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) this weekend will witness the championship’s intense and gruelling season shift gear to become a short sprint with silverware quickly racing into sight.
After eight dramatic races over four weekend rounds the most professional and competitive championship in the region has now descended upon its birthplace at the prestigious Sakhir circuit for all final four races in coming weeks. As many as eight different drivers could still win the title and the standings’ in all categories are brilliantly poised in one of the closest battles in the championship’s history.
Everything suggests all titles are destined to go down to the very last race especially for Qatar-resident Charlie Frijns who currently sits in an impressive second place in the overall driver standings.
After qualifying third for the first race of Round 5 Frijns said: “The shortened track offers a completely different challenge and leaves absolutely no room for any mistakes so I’m satisfied with third with only Ryan and Tom ahead. The race should be pretty interesting as it will be hard to open up a gap but also overtake. Everyone will be fighting for every position with things so tight in the championship.
Since the final race of the series falls as part of the Official Bahrain Formula One weekend on the 15-16th April, drivers could be forgiven for already looking to further into the future and the chance to perform on the ultimate stage for motorsport in the Middle East. But the mounting pressure has ensured the immediate priority for all drivers is to successfully tackle the Round 5, starting with today’s qualifying for the opening race of Round 5 on the reduced inner BIC configuration. It’s a track that guarantees high-octane action throughout.  
“Personally I hope from third position I can secure the points I need this weekend to close in on Ryan in first place but it will be tough from the second row. Although the season has literally raced by it also feels like I lifetime ago since I was last here in Bahrain. Once again I’ve learnt so much and I’m a lot more comfortable in the car so I’m expecting a strong finish over the last two rounds.”
In the race for the overall driver’s title the consistency of Ryan Cullen (188 pts) has seen the Irishman open up a gap of 23 points over second placed Charlie Frijns (168 pts) of Qatar and Britain’s Tom Oliphant (152 pts) third a further 16 points further back.
Series Manager Walter Lechner added: “This weekend is when it really counts. Any driver who is already picturing glory in the last race of the season will simply not put themselves in a winning position. Every race has the same amount of points and those serious about getting on the podium need to be at their very best and seize the moment. There is literally no room for error. Qualifying is all important so congratulations to Ryan Cullen and Tom Oliphant for securing the front row.”  
Round 5 of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East takes place this weekend in Bahrain at the Bahrain International Circuit.