In race 1, delivering a flawless drive from pole to chequered flag, Kuwaiti driver Zaid Ashkanani took the opening win of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East Season 9 and the first victory ever in a new generation GT3 Cup car in the region.

Under the lights at Bahrain International Circuit, Ashkanani returned to the championship he won back in 2014 to be troubled only by British driver Tom Oliphant. Clocking some quick laps, Oliphant attempted to reduce the gap Ashkanani created, but the Kuwaiti showed his fellow Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup driver some impressive defence skills to race away and take the win.

Glynn Geddie, a driver based in the UAE, joined the grid for the first time. Having never raced in the Middle East until yesterday, his performance showed no signs of being a newcomer. Securing an 8th place start on the grid, Geddie powered past both members of Team Sweden before the halfway stage, driving solidly to open up just under a three second lead to ensure a 6th place finish.

The first race of the new season showcased why Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East is the leading motorsport series in the region, marking the start of a bright new chapter for regional racing.

Speaking after his win, Zaid Ashkanani said: “It was the perfect return to the championship for me; qualifying in pole position and a strong start allowed me to create a good gap early on. There was a battle going on behind me for second place, so I used this to extend the lead further. Once out in front I knew that I had to concentrate on making no mistakes and getting the car across the line. Tom Oliphant managed to close the gap and put me under a bit of pressure towards the end, but I managed to keep my cool and finish with the win.”

Commenting on this first race in the series, UAE driver Glynn Geddie said: “What a race, and what a great experience competing here for my first time in the Middle East. Although I haven’t competed for several years, as soon as the lights went out I was straight into race mode. Although I am still trying to get used to the circuit, I felt I showed that I will be a threat to contend with this season. I am looking forward to the next race already and can’t wait for the opportunity to improve on today’s start in the championship.”

After the race Walter Lechner, the owner of Lechner Racing, and founder and manager of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East said: “It’s great to get Season 9 of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East underway, and what a fantastic start to the championship. The debut of the new Porsche GT3 Cup car did not disappoint and every one of the drivers pushed the car to its limit.

“It’s always pleasing to see all cars arrive back to the garages untroubled, especially with so many close battles throughout the race. It is amazing for the championship to launch here in Bahrain as part of the WEC weekend, and to see 17 cars and drivers from so many different parts of the world is a testament to our championship. We look forward to Race 2 and hope to see more of the same action throughout the season.”

Oliphant wins second race of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East Season 9

 

British driver Tom Oliphant took the second race of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East Season 9 in one of the most intense battles for first place ever seen in the series.

Starting from fourth on the grid at Bahrain International Circuit today, Oliphant delivered a masterclass in overtaking as he passed all three drivers ahead of him in a show of persistence and patience.

The British driver successfully challenged Charlie Frijns of Qatar at the first turn while simultaneously fending off Saudi driver Fahad Algosaibi. He then took off in pursuit of Al Faisal Al Zubair of Oman in second and Zaid Ashkanani of Kuwait in first. Clocking the fastest laps of the race early on, Oliphant ended up bumper-to-bumper with the top two for five solid laps before he took advantage of mistakes made by both on the exact same corner.

UAE-based Glynn Geddie had a tough qualifying, resulting in a 10th place grid position. He faced a difficult challenge in the middle of the race, as drivers battled to hold their position in the centre of the order. Geddie showed his experience and shut down advances from drivers behind him, pushed himself to 9th position and managed to create a three second gap behind himself.

Commenting on his first win in the championship, Tom Oliphant said: “That is my first win ever in a Porsche, so to say I’m over the moon is an understatement. I woke up this morning feeling confident, like this was more of a race that I could win than the one last night. I don’t know why, but I knew that the extra heat during the day would help the tyres and I would be quick. I let Al Faisal and Ashkanani fight ahead of me as I knew I had to be patient before I made my move. It feels great to take first and second place this weekend and puts me in a strong position going into Round 2 in Dubai.”

Speaking after his race, UAE-based driver Glynn Geddie said: “It’s been a great experience competing in the Middle East this weekend for the first time – I have thoroughly enjoyed it. It feels good to be back in a car again and, although I am still trying to get back into the swing of things, I am sure that I will get up to the pace quickly and be able to challenge for podium positions over the next rounds. I am looking forward to Dubai and I hope to work out the circuit quickly and get myself as many points as possible from the weekend.”

After the race Walter Lechner, the owner of Lechner Racing, and founder and manager of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East said: “It has been an action-packed weekend here in Bahrain and the perfect way to launch the new season and new Porsche GT3 Cup car to the Middle East. This weekend’s races have shown that there are many different drivers able to challenge for the podium in each category, and that is exactly what we want.

“Both races were intense, but remained clean and fair throughout which is a testament to the level of skill these drivers have. Myself and the team are happy to have Season 9 of the championship underway and look forward to resuming the action in Dubai on the 8th and 9thDecember.”

Season 9 sees drivers hailing from Germany, Great Britain, Netherlands, Sweden as well as returning and new local stars from the Middle East region representing Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East consists of six race weekends with 12 races over a period of six months. The championship will resume at the Dubai Autodrome on 8th and 9th December.