Dubai is gearing up to host round 2 of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge on December 12 and 13, with Dubai’s Sheikh Hasher Al Maktoum hoping to capitalise on his successful debut in Round 1 in Bahrain.
The race will is set to be held at the 4.3km Dubai Autodrome track and will commence with the debut of the all new 911 GT3 Cup.
The grid features 18 cars and drivers from eleven nations, including the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
The challenge is set to feature as much action as the one in Bahrain where reigning champion Schmid, who won nine out of 12 races last season, produced the fastest lap in first practice, just ahead of Kuwait’s teenage racer Zaid Ashkanani, whose rise through the ranks continues after impressive performances in the first two races of the season.
The Team BuzaidGT star is setting his sights on a podium finish in Dubai after posting the second fastest time in first testing.
“The track has been a bit dusty which could limit overtaking opportunities but in order to move up the rankings we’re going to have to take the risks,” Ashkanani said.
The pair was closely followed by local Dubai talent Saeed Al Mehairi of Skydive Dubai Falcons and two-time former champion Abdulaziz AlFaisal from Saudi Falcons.
Dubai’s Sheikh Hasher Al Maktoum, a nephew of Dubai’s ruler Sheikh
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who finished fourth in his first ever race in the series and third in Race 2, will be looking to build on his early successes in front of his home crowd.
The Dubai royal has already posted the 10th fastest time in the early testing session.
