Al Zubair secures double pole

Manama : A dramatic ultimate qualifying session seems fitting for the finale of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East. Al Faisal Al Zubair made the most of the 20-mintue qualifying session to secure double pole for this weekend’s two races, despite an oil-slick track.

The electric atmosphere at the Bahrain International Circuit played a huge part, as the championship’s closing round acts as the official support race to the 2018 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. 

All drivers rose to the occasion, but it was the young Arab talent who really shone, with Isa S. Al Khalifa and Isa A. Al Khalifa of Team Bahrain joining Al Zubair in the top five on the grid for both races.

Team Bahrain clocked quick laps early in the qualifying session, showing their knowledge of the circuit and impressing their home crowd. Isa S. Al Khalifa qualified in fourth for Saturday’s Race 1 and second for Sunday’s Race 2. Isa A. Al Khalifa will start from fifth in Race 1 and fourth in Race 2.

Speaking after qualifying, Isa S. Al Khalifa said: “Today was a great day for me. I am very happy with my results in both the practice session and qualifying. I am genuinely grateful for how things when today. Some of the drivers had troubles on the track, but I was ok and thankfully I went and achieved what I had in mind. The next two days are very important for my goals in the Silver Category and the GCC championship. I always enjoy driving at Bahrain International Circuit because it is home, but being part of the Formula 1 weekend makes it even more special.”

Al Zubair, knows exactly what he needs to do this weekend to secure his first championship title, and add his name to the history books as the fourth Arab driver to win the Middle East racing series. The Omani sensation would join Kuwait’s Zaid Ashkanani, Saudi Arabia’s Abdulaziz Al Faisal, and Bahrain’s Salman Bin Rashid Al Khalifa as local talent that the series has already helped develop since its inception in 2009.

 After clocking a quick 2:03.887, Al Zubair commented: “Double pole is definitely the position I hoped to be in this weekend. I didn’t put too much pressure on in practice, as qualifying is where it counts. My laps were getting faster and faster and usually that has not been the case.

“My fastest lap was good enough for pole and my second was pretty close to my first, so I’m pleased with the consistency. I’m feeling positive about tomorrow’s race. If I can win the race and the championship tomorrow, that would be a dream come true for me.”