Highlights of Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East

The 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.

For Hack, the strength of the weekend’s results including a sixth place in his first ever race at the Dubai Autodrome signal positive sign of progress in this his debut season. The Johannesburg driver will be encouraged and optimistic for the remainder of the championship when it returns in 2018.

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Speaking in Dubai after the race Hack said: “I hoped today would have gone a little better based on my performance yesterday and was determined to finish higher in the overall standings. I have to remember that these things do not come overnight and although I am getting used to the car more and more and I feel that I am improving with every race. I also must not forget that in racing anything can happen. There are so many quick drivers out there, and there are also drivers like Magnus Oehman who are almost impossible to pass as their defending is so strong.

“I have a lot to work on but I take confidence from knowing the Dubai Autodrome now. With the next round being back here again in the new year, I have high hopes of finishing in a strong position. I’m already looking forward to it.”

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.

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 six points over Al Zubair.

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The historic 100th race has come courtesy of staging nine consecutive seasons and featured an international grid of 17 elite drivers from nine countries, including Germany, Great Britain, Netherlands, Sweden alongside local stars from Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

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 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 26-27 January 2018, before visiting Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit, 2-3 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.