Result: Al Zubair first, Al Khalifa in second and Frijns third. The Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix track turned out lucky for 19-year old Al Faisal Al Zubair of Oman. His first back-to-back race win of the year secured the overall title when the grid lined up for the season’s finale.
From the start, the six racers in front were evenly matched and raced into the corner side-by-side. Isa A. Al Khalifa of Bahrain came out in front with Al Zubair soon after the start while Isa S. Al Khalifa also of Bahrain and Dutchman Charlie Frijns closely behind. The fight between Al Zubair and Isa A. Al Khalifa took a step back and forth before Al Zubair pulled away in lap four and he didn’t have to look back till the season was his. The game in Al Zubair’s words:”This was my first race in the championship without any pressure, and it felt amazing. Usually you fight for wins with the title in your mind, but today I just raced and I really enjoyed it. “I didn’t have a great start; Isa A. Al Khalifa passed me in turn one and he was actually really quick, driving well throughout the race. My pace picked up over the next few laps and I was able to overtake him. I opened up a gap and finished in first. It’s not been a bad weekend – double pole, double win and a championship title under my belt. I’m going back to Oman a very proud and happy man.”
Founder and organiser of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, Walter Lechner of Lechner Racing: “We have had some great local talent in the championship this year, including Al Zubair. It’s nice to see a fourth local champion, first from Oman, to win the championship and show young, local drivers can beat the internationals!” Coming up next is the tenth season of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge.
