Khaled Al Qubaisi

Abu Dhabi.  The UAE’s Khalid Al Qubaisi says he has found new drive to chase an unlikely title triumph in what promises to be a thrilling finale to the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East at Dubai Autodrome this weekend.

After securing his first victory in the series on home territory at Yas Marina Circuit last weekend, the Abu Dhabi driver is planning an all out assault on the four remaining rounds, split between Friday and Saturday, which will decide the 12-round championship.

The odds are against him, and strongly favour Bahrain’s series leader, Sheikh Salman bin Rashid Al Khalifa, who heads Saudi Arabia’s defending champion, Prince Abdulaziz Al Faisal, by six points.

But lying third, another four points adrift, Al Qubaisi saw enough in Abu Dhabi last weekend to believe that he has a fighting chance of overhauling the two drivers who have been the main contenders in the title race since the season got under way in the UAE capital last November.

“I’m in a better position than I was before last weekend, but on top of that, winning my first race has given me a big boost in confidence,” said Al Qubaisi. “I’ve shown I can match the top two both in qualifying and with my race speed.

“Abdulaziz put me under a lot of pressure in Abu Dhabi, but I dealt with it properly in the second race. I’ve now got the experience of leading and know how to hold on and win. That will help me a lot at the weekend.”

“I’m not saying that I’m going to win the championship, but I’m definitely not going to surrender it and I believe I have a serious chance.”

Abzulaziz Al Faisal action

After grabbing pole position for both rounds in Abu Dhabi last weekend, Al Qubaisi was put under intense pressure by Prince Abdulaziz who won the first race after forcing him into an error, but then made one himself to drop from contention in Round 8.

“It was my mistake,” he said. “I was trying to get the lead as quickly as possible and probably went too early. But I saw the gap and went for it and I think any other driver would have done the same. I’m confident that I’ll be in good shape in Dubai and I’m still fighting for the title. Khalid showed good speed in qualifying and in both races in Abu Dhabi and he’s right up there with us now.”

Two third place finishes for Fahad Algosaibi last weekend and a second place for Bandar Alesayi suggested the two Saudi drivers could also have a say in the final championship outcome.

Already assured of the rookies’ crown at the end of an excellent first season in the Porsche GT3 Cup series, Musaed Al Murar, Al Qubaisi’s team-mate, now has the top five in his sights and is eager to move up. Meanwhile, barring disasters, German driver Johannes Waimer is set to clinch the Mobil 1 Trophy for drivers over 45.

Championship positions after eight rounds

1. Salman Bin Rashid Al Khalifa (BAH)                                 142pts

2. Abdulaziz Al Faisal (KSA) Al Faisal Racing Team             136pts

3. Khaled Al Qubaisi (UAE) tolimit Arabia                              132pts

4. Fahad Algosaibi (KSA) ClassicArabia Racing                    117pts

5. Bandar Alesayi (KSA)                                                         110pts

6. Musaed Al Murar (UAE) tolimit arabia                               77pts

7. Ibrahim Salloum (UAE) Abu Dhabi Falcon Racing            67pts

8. Johannes Waimer (GER)                                                   53pts

9. Fawaz Algosaibi (KSA) ClassicArabia Racing                   41pts

10. Alain Muraour (F)                                                              37pts

Mobil 1 Trophy (Over 45s)

1. Johannes Waimer (GER)                                                   150pts

2. Alain Muraour (F)                                                                126pts

3. Fawaz Algosaibi (KSA) ClassicArabia Racing            110pts