Sunday 17 / November / 2024
Muscat: Five months since the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East began in Bahrain, the championship reaches its exciting conclusion back in Sakhir this coming weekend, April 15 and 16, where Oman’s Al Faisal Al Zubair aims to secure the prestigious Silver Cup title at his first attempt.
In what has been an extraordinary first season in sportscars for the ever-improving Muscat racing driver, Al Faisal goes into the final two rounds of the campaign – which will run as support to the Bahrain Grand Prix – within just a single point of Silver Cup leader Bandar Alesayi.
Thus far in his maiden Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East season, the 19-year-old has accrued four victories in the Silver Cup. Additionally, he has been the dominant force in the GCC Rookie Class with no fewer than seven wins.
Whether or not Al Faisal ultimately manages to emerge successful in his bid for the Silver crown, it has been an outstanding championship for the former BRDC British Formula 3 driver who is very much focused on establishing his future career in sportscar and endurance racing.
“I’m very happy with how the season has gone, if I win the Silver championship at the weekend it would be incredible but whether I win it or not, it’s been an amazing season for me”, said the Omani talent, “There’s a bit of pressure to try and beat Bandar, but I will be pushing as hard as I can.
“I’m really happy with how my first season in Porsche has gone and very glad I made this move at this time, so early in my career. We got to grips with the car early, learnt as much as possible, and I don’t think the season could have gone any better.”
Having thoroughly enjoyed his first season of Porsche racing, Al Faisal says the growth of motor racing in the Middle East can be largely attributed to the professionalism and competitiveness of the one-make GT3 Cup Challenge.
Acknowledging the status the Lechner Racing-operated series has achieved, the Omani believes the great mix of competitors, both local and from overseas, is only going to elevate the championship further in coming seasons.
“This is the strongest championship in the region, it has growing grids and is growing in all aspects actually – we have local drivers, international drivers, top drivers and amateur drivers”, he said, “The fact the championship has been getting closer towards the end shows how competitive it is. It’s a fantastic championship for anyone to join and is really helping motorsports grow in the Middle East.”
Round 11 of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East will take place on Saturday, April 15, with the final race of the championship, round 12, following on Sunday, April 16.
