Zaid Ashkanani

KUWAIT CITY, Jan 11: A short winter break has proved only to heighten interest, increase driver focus and build anticipation as the region’s leading race series speeds towards a long-awaited return to the UAE’s capital for Round 3 of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East. In two weeks the Middle East’s most competitive drivers will return to the track in Abu Dhabi at the Yas Marina Circuit for the first time in over three years with two races scheduled on Friday Jan 22.

For some drivers the break since Round 2 at Saudi Arabia’s Al Reem Circuit in early December will have been a welcomed chance to reflect and recover from a grueling opening to Season 7. For others such as Kuwaiti star Zaid Ashkanani, who currently sits third in the overall driver’s standings, it is all about maintaining that consistent form and trying to close the gap on second place Ryan Cullen and his illustrious team mate Jeffrey Schmidt as the action hits Abu Dhabi next weekend:

“It’s been a great experience for me [at Al Nabooda Racing] and I really enjoy being part of the team. To work in tandem with a talented teammate like Jeffrey [Schmidt] is a privilege, and together we’re always looking to push each other to go as fast as we can. Thankfully the results have been excellent, and now I can’t wait to race in Abu Dhabi and give our fans something more to cheer about next weekend,” Ashkanani said.

For racing fans in the UAE, the return of the spectacular Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East to the capital will serve as a timely reminder of the country’s domination so far this season with Jeffrey Schmidt’s Al Nabooda Racing Team occupying two of the three top spots in the standings. Schmidt who heads the overall championship by twelve points from his two consecutive round wins, is keen to replicate his invincible form from the start of the season as the action hits Abu Dhabi next weekend:

“I couldn’t have asked for a better way to wrap up 2015 with the win in Saudi Arabia. I’m pleased with my performances so far, but I remain focused on what is a big year ahead. To open another year of racing in Abu Dhabi is just perfect, and I hope that the excellent conditions at Yas Marina Circuit can help me unleash the best in me. I know that I’ve got more in the tank, and I’ve spent considerable time with the team over the break to assess every inch of my races so far this season – hopefully it will show!”

After two exhilarating first rounds of the new Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East season in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, Al Nabooda Racing sit comfortably atop of the team standings as well, no doubt helped by the dynamic duo’s incredibly consistent performances. However, with the new series only midway through, anything can still happen — especially at the notoriously challenging Yas Marina Circuit, famed for hosting the annual Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and for its unique turns and long straights which allows for plenty of overtaking opportunities.

Regarded as the purest form of racing with all drivers competing in identical fifth generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cups, the unique one-make series consists of 12 races between November 2015 and March 2016.The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East now heads to the UAE for three rounds in a row to kick start the New Year across January and February, closely followed by the return to Bahrain in early March which is set to be a thrilling end to series 7.

Round 3 takes place on Friday Jan 22, at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.Overall Driver Standings after Round 2 – Top 6Jeffrey Schmidt, UAE, Al Nabooda Racing, 100 pts; Ryan Cullen, IRL, Cullen Racing, 86 pts; Zaid Ashkanani, Kuwait, Al Nabooda Racing, 82 pts; Hasher Al Maktoum, UAE, Skydive Dubai Falcons, 69 pts; Saeed Al Mehairi, UAE, Skydive Dubai Falcons, 67 pts; Abdulaziz AlFaisal, KSA, AlFaisal Racing, 60 pts.

Schedule

Round 3Race 1 - Jan 22, 2016Race 2 - Jan 22, 2016Yas Marina Circuit, UAE

Round 4Race 1- Jan 29, 2016Race 2- Jan 30, 2016Dubai Autodrome, UAE

Round 5 Race 1 - Feb 19, 2016Race 2 - Feb 19, 2016Dubai Autodrome, UAE

Round 6Race 1 - March 4, 2016Race 2 - March 5, 2016Bahrain International Circuit, Bahrain

For the latest news on the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East please visit the official website: www.gt3cupchallenge-me.com or follow the series’ news at www.facebook.com/porscheGT3CCME, on Twitter @PorscheGT3CCME and on Instagram @PorscheGT3CCM.