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A fresh grid filled with a host of new drivers from across the world of motorsport will compete in the
The diverse range of drivers hail from as many as twelve different nations across the Middle East and Europe, making the line-up for the new championship the most international in the series history.
The region is well represented with newcomers, such as UAE resident Bashar Mardini and 18-year old Al Faisal Al Zubair of Oman, both expected to descend upon Bahrain International Circuit this coming weekend for official testing alongside drivers from Qatar, Turkey, Austria, Sweden, Germany and United Kingdom.
The opportunity to test ahead of the 12-race series will be critical for many of the drivers who will not only make their competitive debut behind the wheel of powerful
One of the new sportsmen preparing to take on the championship this season, is UAE resident Bashar Mardini. Bashar is certainly no stranger to regional motorsport, having been a guest driver in previous seasons of the GT3 Cup Challenge. He also secured a class win in the Dubai 24 Hour race with Lechner Racing earlier this year.
With experience across Europe, The Middle East and Asia, Mardini is hopeful of adding to the championship. He said: “Although I’ve sampled a taste of the
Walter Lechner, founder and organiser of the
“The championship is now a proud beacon for the motorsport in the Middle East and I’ve no doubt that the exciting combination of new and experienced racers will see our most competitive championship yet. The race for the title is certainly wide open.”
Another of the new drivers that fans will be intrigued to see test this weekend is Omani born youngster Al Faisal Al Zubair. The 18-year old is set to make his debut this season after showing his driving talent through karting and British Formula 3. Al Zubair represents one of the key pillars that the
Talking ahead of the testing Al Zubair said: “This is a massive step for me in my racing career, and one step closer to my dream of racing and competing at the highest level possible. There will be so many experienced drivers to compete against. But I am confident I can show my ability and prove that regardless of my age I deserve a place on the grid. I tested with Lechner Racing a few weeks back and they were happy with my skills level. This fills me with confidence.”
Mardini and Al Zubair will be joined by Turkish racer Salih Yoluc. Despite having only two years of professional racing behind him Yoluc comes into the championship with a wealth of experience, competing in the Blancpain-GT-Endurance Championship, the European Le Mans Series, the British GT Championship and the 24 hours of Dubai where he took a class win in 2015. In 2016 he has already scored victories in the GT3 ProAm class of the International GT Open and the GT3 Le Mans Cup.
The series debutant said: “I have achieved so much over a short period of time and being able to compete in the
All drivers will compete in identical fifth generation
Round 1
17 - 19 Nov 2016
Bahrain International Circuit, Bahrain
Round 2
9 - 12 Dec 2016
Dubai Autodrome, UAE
Round 3
27 - 28 Jan 2017
Dubai Autodrome, UAE
Round 4
10 - 11 Feb 2017
Yas Marina Circuit, UAE
Round 5
3 - 4 Mar 2017
Bahrain International Circuit, Bahrain
Round 6 – F1 Support Race
14 - 16 Apr 2017
Bahrain International Circuit, Bahrain
All reports on the previous season can be found in our archive.