SAUDI drivers Saud AlFaisal and Mohammad Al Saud both finished on the podium in their categories in the 100th race of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East at the Dubai Autodrome as part of the UAE National Day series.

The race was won by Great Britain’s Tom Oliphant, with Oman’s Al Faisal Al Zubair second and Germany’s Wolfgang Triller third. AlFaisal made a successful return to the series as a guest to secure eighth place in the overall race and third in the silver category. Fellow countryman Mohammad Al Saud showed great fortitude to claim 12th position and second in the bronze category.

Speaking at the end of the race, Saud AlFaisal said: “I had a very good start but lost a couple of positions in corner one. I managed to reclaim a couple of positions and fight hard amongst the other drivers in the silver category. It was a very exciting race and the competition was very high.”

“I had to concentrate on both the guys in front and the guys behind me today, and it was really difficult to maintain my position. Overall it has been a great weekend, it feels incredible to be back in the Porsche and I can’t wait to be able to race again sometime in the future.”

The landmark centennial race is the combined result of a special partnership between Porsche and Lechner Racing who committed to deliver the first and only professional motorsport series in region nearly a decade ago. The championship is credited with introducing the highest standards of racing to the Middle East as proven again today.

The top three drivers in the championship are; Oliphant 96 points, Al Zubair 90 points, Frijns 72 points, with eight races remaining.

Victory by Oliphant in the second race of the weekend came by the tightest of margins. A mere 0.707 seconds separated Oliphant from regional hero Al Zubair following a colossal duel over 14 intense laps. It was the sweet revenge and a reversal of the previous day’s result. But it was never comfortable for Oliphant. He was forced to defend throughout as Al Zubair charged in the closing laps yet he held on for a cherished triumph.

Speaking after the 100th race of the series, Tom Oliphant said: “I’m really pleased, and to win the 100th race in the championship is a real honour. We now move on with the championship lead going into the winter break and hope to come back to Dubai in the new year just as strong!”

The win for Oliphant is his second victory in the opening four races of the twelve race championships and extends his lead in the drivers’ standings to 6 points over Al Zubair. The historic 100th race has come courtesy of staging 9 consecutive seasons and featured an international grid of 17 elite drivers from 9 countries, including Germany, Great Britain, Netherlands, Sweden alongside local stars from Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

A large crowd enjoyed the engrossing action which descended throughout the field. Behind Triller, Dutch star Charlie Frijns picked up his second fourth placed finish of the weekend. Fifth place went to French rookie Jean-Baptiste Simmenauer and the top six positions were completed by Britain’s Glynn Geddie.

The impact of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East has been huge, accelerating the sport regionally and globally by offering a pathway to the top level of the sport for regional drivers. The 100th race typified the growing strength of the successful development program that is transforming the sport locally.

At the end of the special 100th race, Walter Lechner said: “I am humble and proud to witness our 100th race. Tom is a worthy winner. But I honestly feel the most satisfying aspect of this moment is the fact that the sport is winning new hearts and minds. The energy and momentum behind the championship feels unstoppable. These are special days.

“We have more drivers from more countries than ever before. Firm foundations have been established over many years and the result is a new breed of regional stars that hold every quality required to succeed in racing. It’s been a wonderful experience and journey to get to this landmark. But as the 100th race proved, we are accelerating towards even greater milestones in the future.”

The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East now enters a short winter break before concluding the remainder of the season in 2018. The series returns to Dubai on Jan. 26-27th January 2018, before visiting Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit, 2nd – 3rd February 2018. The final two rounds will be held in Bahrain, with the series coming to a thrilling conclusion as an official support race for the 2018 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. — SG