DUBAI — The hugely anticipated Round 5 of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East is almost underway as the drivers prepare to take on the Dubai Autodrome track for the second time within two weeks. The penultimate round concludes three back to back race weekends in the UAE, beginning at Yas Marina Circuit in January, finishing this weekend here in Dubai before heading back to Bahrain for the series finale early next month.
Hosting this weekend’s festivities will be the Grand Prix Circuit of Dubai Autodrome, with each race consisting of 12 laps of the 5.39km track. For each driver the importance of the last two rounds in the series is huge, and with the championship title hanging in the balance it is all to play for as the drivers make their way into the business end of the season.
For the Saudi Arabian racing duo of Abdulaziz Al-Faisal and his brother Saud, Round 5 will be a critical juncture in their campaign. Currently second in the team standings their consistent performances across the season have seen them steadily rise to the podium and represent the only realistic challengers to runaway leaders Al-Nabooda Racing. For the Al-Faisal brothers the achievement of a podium finish in their first full season of competition would be an excellent achievement. Led by the experience of Abdulaziz, Saud Al-Faisal has been a shining star in the Silver category and with a strong drive from both racers at the Dubai Autodrome, individual and team silverware could be well within reach.
Speaking ahead of the Round 5 Abdulaziz Al-Faisal said: “This is definitely going to be a big weekend for the team and the series as it will set the scene ahead of the series’ conclusion next month. It’s pressure but it is these pressure moments that we live for and we are ready for the challenge. Dubai Autodrome is a track I know very well and have raced at many times so with our knowledge of the task ahead we can focus and deliver results.”
As Season 7 of the region’s leading one-make series enters its final stages, the provision of a platform for local racing talent to take developing steps in their careers has once again been a hallmark of the series. As Saud Al-Faisal has affirmed his status as one of the Middle East’s most promising and most talented young drivers, new racers such as Kuwait’s Zaid Ashkanani and Qatar-based Charlie Frijns have been shining in a series that offers a pathway to global motor racing. Both races of the penultimate round will take place at Dubai Autodrome Friday.
