A fresh grid filled with a host of new drivers from across the world of motorsport will compete in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, when the eighth season of the series gets underway on 17th November 2016 for the opening round.
Amongst the line-up will be Qatar based driver Charlie Frijns enters Season 8, seeking to improve on his fifth place in the driver standings last season. The diverse range of drivers hail from as many as twelve different nations across the Middle East and Europe, making the grid for the new championship the most international in the series history.
The region is well represented with newcomers, such as UAE resident Bashar Mardini and 18-year-old Al Faisal al-Zubair of Oman, expected to descend upon Bahrain International Circuit this coming weekend for official testing alongside drivers from Qatar, Turkey, Austria, Sweden, Germany and United Kingdom.
The opportunity to test ahead of the 12-race series will be critical for many of the drivers. Most will not only make their competitive debut behind the wheel of powerful Porsche 911 GT3 Cup but also their debut around the kingdom’s Sakhir track in Bahrain, which plays host of the season’s first two races as part of the FIA World Endurance Championship’s finale (WEC).
For experienced campaigner Charlie Frijns of Qatar this weekend’s testing will prove important, as returning drivers size up the new competition.
Speaking on the new grid line-up, Frijns said: “I cannot wait to get back on the track and put down a few markers to the newcomers. I learnt with every race last year, so I believe I can be a strong contender for the title. I just have to remain consistent throughout the season.
“It’s great to hear news that there will be new faces and fresh international competition across the grid. The series has proved itself as the most professionally run in the region and it’s only natural that more drivers from around the world and in the Middle East want to come and compete. Hopefully it will push everyone to race at their best. But for me it’s just another person I need to get past on the track!”  
Walter Lechner, founder and organiser of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, said: “To have so much driving talent is an incredible opportunity to grow the sport and speaks volumes for the prestigious reputation this series has earned over many years. We now have the perfect platform to accelerate driving skills and gain valuable race experience, hence the influx of drivers making their debut, all of which are very welcome.
“The championship has spread its wings and is now a proud beacon for the motorsport in the Middle East and I’ve no doubt that the exciting combination of new and experienced racers will see our most competitive championship yet. The race for the title is certainly wide open.”
One of the new drivers that fans will be intrigued to see test this weekend is Omani-born youngster Al Faisal al-Zubair. The 18-year old is set to make his debut this season, after showing his driving talent through karting and British Formula 3. Al-Zubair represents one of the key pillars that the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East stands for: a regional platform for young talented drivers to prove themselves in a professional racing environment.
Talking ahead of the testing al-Zubair said: “This is a massive step for me in my racing career, and one step closer to my dream of racing and competing at the highest level possible. There will be so many experienced drivers to compete against. But I am confident I can show my ability and prove that regardless of my age, I deserve a place on the grid. I tested with Lechner Racing a few weeks back and they were happy with my skill level. This fills me with confidence.”
Another of the new sportsmen, preparing to take on the championship this season, is UAE-resident Bashar Mardini. Bashar is certainly no stranger to regional motorsport, having been a guest driver in previous seasons of the GT3 Cup Challenge. He also secured a class win in the Dubai 24 Hour race with Lechner Racing earlier this year.