Agencies/Losail, Qatar
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Motorsport fans in Qatar will be able to enjoy a free weekend of racing as Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, lights up the Losail International Circuit with spectacular night-time action in Rounds 9 and 10 of the region’s leading one-make series on 8th and 9th March 2013.
With the strongest grid ever assembled in the history of the championship, the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge is the headline act in an action –packed weekend as the leading drivers across the Middle East take part in the Qatar National Road Racing Championship.
Porsche racing enthusiasts are encouraged to enjoy the adrenaline fuelled action from the grandstands at 4.00pm on both days as the first practice session gets under way, followed by qualifying and main event, Rounds 9 and 10, with races expected to get underway at approximately 8.40pm.
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. Walter Lechner, Manager of Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East said: “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. ”
“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,” added Lechner.
The fourth edition of the season has turned into one of the closest fought battles for supremacy in the history of the championship, with six points separating Al Nabooda Racings Clemens Schmid and Saudi Falcons Abdulaziz al-Faisal with four rounds to go.
With four wins in a row, Schmid will be hoping he can continue the momentum leading into Losail and win his first championship.
Speaking ahead of testing, the Austrian said: “I have been in good form this season and took the top spot from Abdulaziz in Saudi. “I have got the momentum with four wins in a row and I will need to continue that until the final round if I want to win the championship.
“Driving at night is a different experience with varying conditions, something we have to adapt to very quickly. But it will be the same for all the drivers.”
The reigning champion, Abdulaziz al-Faisal is looking forward to the test of driving under lights once again and believes plenty of drama will unfold during the weekend.
Speaking ahead of testing at the Losail International Circuit, Abdulaziz said: “I anticipate plenty of drama under the lights. This season has been absorbing with plenty of drama, and it will be fitting that this will continue at the Losail circuit.”
“The floodlights bring another dimension to the proceedings, as all the drivers are used to driving during the day. The conditions are totally different and give the drivers something else to think about.
“I have good memories of the circuit, as I won the championship here last season, and I will be looking to push Schmid all the way until the end of the season,” added al-Faisal. Al Nabooda Racing are looking for a unique double this season as they also lead the Team Title category with a 19 points lead over Saudi Falcons, with Team Bahrain in third place on 261 points.
