News

This weekend UAE-based driver Bashar Mardini will fulfil a lifelong dream by racing in the final round of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, which features as an official support race to the 2017 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.

To race on the biggest stage of all for motorsport in the region is the ultimate goal for any driver and the staging of the final sixth round at the Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, is the perfect ending to an incredibly competitive and exhausting season for all Porsche drivers.

The outcome of the driver’s championship in all categories of the region’s most professional motor-racing series will all come down to the last two races and will now play out in front of mass crowds and a global spotlight.

With expectations high, dreams to achieve, and history to be made across the full grid of 16 drivers representing 11 nationalities, Mardini has set himself the target of finishing strong in the Silver category standings.

After ten races Mardini is 35 points away from finishing in third position and with 50 points available over the final weekend the UAE driver will be hoping to claim enough clinch silverware in his debut season.

Ahead of the action, Bashar Mardini said: “The season has raced by and I can’t believe there is only one weekend to go. Competing as part of the Formula 1 Grand Prix was always going to be a highlight of the season for me, and the fact that it’s the finale makes it even sweeter a finish. I am hoping to channel all my excitement and nerves to close the season with a podium. Of course, I’d like to take home a trophy, but as I said from the very start, this year was all about gaining experience in the car and getting used to the level of competition in the championship.”

Only 62 points separate four out of the top six drivers in the Silver Category, proving how close the championship has been all season long.

Mardini added “I am proud of the progression I have made. Even when results have been slightly disappointing my team have stepped in and guided me back on track. I want to finish the season on a high, and I’m hoping for a dream ending to an epic first championship. There is nothing else like it for drivers in the region.”

At the front of the grid Ryan Cullen of Ireland (238) and Qatar based driver Charlie Frijns (205) sit at the top of the standings. Any driver from third to six place can still mathematically being able to finish in the top three.

For many of the drivers in the championship, Season 8 of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East will act as the perfect catalyst to go on and race throughout the summer months on the global stage of motorsport.

Walter Lechner, founder and manager of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, commented, “It’s been another fantastic season of racing for the championship, and as always the best is saved until last. Racing as part of the 2017 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix, is an experience that any driver would relish.
“We’ve seen a number of debutant drivers emerge, some that have never raced a Porsche GT3 Cup car in their lives. Others successfully moved from karting into professional GT racing for the first time. And of course some more experienced drivers, either returning to the series, or coming in from different parts of the world to test their skills on the Middle East’s best and most challenging racing circuits.

“So once again we’ve have it all. Every driver background you could imagine and all on the same grid. The combination of raw talent, youthful hunger, and experienced pride has provided a perfect mixture of ingredients. Round 6 will be no different and with each category still open to change, everything will come down to this weekend, which is exciting for everyone involved.”

Following Round 1 in Bahrain, Rounds 2 and 3 in Dubai, Round 4 in Abu Dhabi, and Rounds 5 and 6 of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East back at the Bahrain International Circuit. Fans are welcome to attend the final round of the season, which will take place on the 15th and 16th of March 2017, as support races to the 2017 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.

Championship standings after Round 5 of 6 – Season 8 (Top six)

Name Country Category Points
1st Ryan Cullen IRE Gold 238
2nd Charlie Frijns QAT Gold 205
3rd Tom Oliphant GBR Gold 198
4th Dylan Pereira LUX Gold 169
5th Bander Alesayi KSA Silver 157
6th Al Faisal Al Zubair OMN Silver 156

Silver standings after Round 5 of 6 – Season 8 (Top four)

Name Country Category Points
1st Bander Alesayi KSA Silver 157
2nd Al Faisal Al Zubair OMN Silver 156
3rd Wolfgang Triller GER Silver 130
4th Bashar Mardini UAE Silver 95