Last season’s debut event in Qatar was the first Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge night racing event staged anywhere in the world since the one-make championship was introduced seven years ago, initially in Brazil, New Zealand and the US.
The Losail circuit’s permanent outdoor lighting will once again add a new dimension to the completion, as the fourth season heads towards a gripping climax, with plenty of excitement in store for the strongest grid in the history of the series and spectators alike.
“The atmosphere and passion created in Losail last season was absorbing and added to the excitement that is associated with the series. All of the drivers are genuinely excited about the return to Qatar and driving at night. The competition always wants to test the ability of drivers in various conditions, which is why this formula is the leading series in the region,” Walter Lechner, Manager of Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, said.
“We have had so much drama and an edge to the competition this season and I am sure it will be just as enthralling in Rounds 9 and 10 as we reach the final stages of the season,” Lechner, added.
Mohammed Mattar and Raed Raffii head to Doha looking to finish the season on a high and move up the championship standings. Round 8 was a memorable occasion for Mattar as he gained his first podium position, finishing in third place. Currently in sixth position on the championship standings, he is also 12 points behind Faisal Binladen in the Silver Michelin category.
Raffii, will be looking for progression in Qatar, as he looks to put the previous two rounds behind him. The Bahraini youngster, currently seventh in the overall standings was unable to finish Round 8, having to withdraw towards the end of the race.
“It will be a spectacular experience of racing at night-time in Qatar. It will be totally different day time racing but this is one of the challenges we have to handle if we are to progress. I still have plenty to play for this season, with the chance of moving into the top four and also securing my first title. The Silver Michelin category will be tough, but I am 12 points from the top with plenty of points to play for. There will be pressure on all the drivers and with a bit of luck, things might go my way,” Speaking ahead of testing on the demanding 5.380km Losail International circuit, Mattar said.
Raffii was optimistic ahead of testing.
“I need to look ahead to the rest of the season and not think too much about Reem. I was not happy with my performances and have to put them performances behind me. I am looking to collect enough points to move as high up the table as possible,” he said.
Team Bahrain will also be looking to make ground on Al Nabooda Racing and Saudi Falcons in the Team Title category. They currently lie in third place on 261 points, with Al Nabooda in first place, 19 points ahead of Saudi Falcons.
The fourth edition of the series has been one of the closest in the championship’s history and after producing two clinical performances in Rounds 7 and 8 at the Reem International Circuit to move to the top of championship standings, all eyes will be focused on new leader Clemens Schmid of Dubai-based Al Nabooda Racing.