Porsche GT3 Cup ME: Alesayi grabs victory to share lead in title race

Abu Dhabi.  Saudi Arabia’s Bandar Alesayi scored an impressive victory in Round 3 of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East at Yas Marina Circuit today to grab a share in the championship lead.

The Porsche one-make series served up some thrilling race action on Formula 1 weekend in Abu Dhabi, and it was Alesayi who stole the limelight with only his second victory in the championship, but one which marked him as a serious title contender this season.

Starting second on the grid after Ahmad Al Harthy had dominated the morning qualifying session, Alesayi snatched the lead on the first lap and held on to win by 1.5 seconds from the Omani.

The victory puts him level on points with Prince Abdulaziz Al Faisal, who had started the race as the championship leader but had a tough time holding on to his third place from qualifying as he came under intense pressure from Belgian driver Stephane Lemeret.

Half way through the 14-lap race, Lemeret, making his debut in the series this season with Dubai-based Al Nabooda Racing, swept ahead of the Saudi, but within moments he was back in fourth place again and eventually had to settle for that.

Saeed Al Mouri, team-mate of Prince Abdulaziz, and Swiss driver Armin Schmid, completed the top six. Finishing seventh overall, Qatar’s Saadon Al Kuwari won the Mobil 1 Trophy for drivers over 45 for the third race in succession after his double success in Dubai last weekend.

Delighted with his win, Alesayi said at the finish: “Ahmad made a mistake and I was able to get past him. It’s the perfect start to the weekend for me.”

Round 3 results

1. Bandar Alesayi (KSA) Alesayi Racing                   31:57.991

2. Ahmad Al Harthy (OM) Oman Air Racing             31:59.515

3. Abdulaziz Al Faisal (KSA) Saudi Falcons               32:03.424

4. Stephane Lemeret (BEL) Al Nabooda Racing       32:04.150

5. Saeed Al Mouri KSA) Saudi Falcons                     32:21.605

6. Armin Schmid (CH) Team TCE                             32:49.976

7. Saadon Al Kuwari (QA)                                          33:00.723

8. Mark Thomas (CAN)                                              33:00.972

9. Hannes Waimer (GER) Team TCE                       33:11.129

10. Hans Guido Riegel (GER) Haribo Racing            33:11.592

Championship positions after Round 3

1. Abdulaziz Al Faisal (KSA) Saudi Falcons               54pts

1. Bandar Alesayi (KSA) Alesayi Racing                   54pts

3. Ahmad Al Harthy (OM) Oman Air Racing                         46pts

4. Stephane Lemeret (BEL) Al Nabooda Racing       42pts

5. Saeed Al Mouri KSA) Saudi Falcons                     34pts

6. Mark Thomas (CAN)                                              26pts

7. Sadoon Al Kuwari (QA)                                          25pts

8. Hannes Waimer (GER)                                          21pts

9. Clemens Schmid (AUT)                                         20pts

10. Hans Guido Riegel (GER) Haribo Racing            16pts

Mobil 1 Trophy

1. Sadoon Al Kuwari (QA)                                          60pts

2. Hannes Waimer (GER)                                          54pts

3. Hans Guido Riegel (GER) Haribo Racing              44pts

4. Fawaz Algosaibi (KSA) ClassicArabia Racing       40pts

4. Rob Frijns (NL)                                                       28pts

6. Manfred Ender (AUT)                                             23pts

7. Jaber Al Khalifa (BAH)                                           10pts

7. Alain Muraour (F)                                                    10pts