GT3 Cup Challenge Matches Top Standards: Al Attiyah

Doha, January 27 (QNA) - The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East event matches top professional standards the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) chief has said ahead of the ninth and tenth round to be held here in March. Commenting on Qatar joining the Challenge circuit, QMMF President Nasser Khalifa Al Attiyah, said, "The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East has a reputation of a very exciting series which is run to the highest professional standards and we are happy to bring this new attraction to Losail International Circuit." Losail International Circuit, home to world class motor bike and motor racing since 2004, will stage Rounds 9 and 10 of the 2011-2012 Porsche one-make series on March 2-3. Qatar has joined the UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia on the championship circuit for the first time. It follows an agreement between Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) and Lechner Racing which manages and conducts the GT3 Cup series on behalf of Porsche Middle East and Africa. Head of the race organiser, Walter Lechner said, "We’re delighted that will be running for the first time on the beautiful Losail International Circuit. We have already received a very warm welcome at Losail from the Qatar Federation and are looking forward to a new racing experience which will be enjoyed by all the drivers." Qatar joins a 12-round championship which has quickly established itself as a headline race series in the Middle East since being launched in December 2009. The 2011-12 seasons has reached the half-way point following an opening two-round race weekend at Dubai Autodrome and two more at Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi in November and December. Rounds 7-8 take place in Saudi Arabia at Reem International Circuit outside Riyadh on February 15-16, and the championship reaches its climax at Bahrain International Circuit on March 29-30. Chasing his second Porsche GT3 Cup title in three seasons, Abdulaziz Al Faisal has won two of the first six rounds this season and currently holds an eight-point lead in the championship from fellow-Saudi Bandar Alesayi, one of three other race winners to date. The first visit by the series to Losail International Circuit means that three Qatar-based drivers can now look forward to Porsche GT3 Cup action on their home track. Qatari driver Saddon Al Kuwari has made an impressive start to his first season of Porsche GT3 Cup racing. He has a commanding lead in the Michelin Silver Trophy standings for the intermediate class and holds sixth place overall. Also contesting the series and looking for success in the bronze class Mobil 1 Trophy are Qatar-based Dutchman Rob Frijns and his Austrian team-mate Manfred Ender. Championship positions after Round 6: 1. Abdulaziz Al Faisal (KSA) Saudi Falcons 110pts; 2. Bandar Alesayi (KSA) Saudi GT Racing 102pts; 3. Stephane Lemeret (BEL) Al Nabooda Racing 86pts; 4. Ahmad Al Harthy (OM) Oman Air Racing 80pts; 5. Saeed Al Mouri KSA) Saudi Falcons 72pts; 6. Saddon Al Kuwari (QA) 51pts; 7. Clemens Schmid (AUT) 50pts; 8. Hans Guido Riegel (GER) Haribo Racing 39pts; 8. Armin Schmid CH Team TCE 39pts; 10. Fawaz Algosaibi (KSA) Saudi GT Racing 30pts; 10. Hannes Waimer (GER) Team TCE 30pts. Michelin Silver Trophy: 1. Saddon Al Kuwari (QA) 51pts; 2. Hans Guido Riegel (GER) Haribo Racing 39pts; 2. Armin Schmid CH Team TCE 39pts; 4. Mark Thomas (CAN) 27pts. Mobil 1 Trophy: 1. Fawaz Algosaibi (KSA) Saudi GT Racing 30pts; 1. Hannes Waimer (GER) 30pts; 3. Rob Frijns (NL) Frins Structural Steel 22pts; 4. Manfred Ender (AUT) Frins Structural Steel 13pts; 5. Cengiz J. Oguzhan (TUR) 9pts; 6. Jaber Al Khalifa (BAH) 7pts. (QNA)