Jaber prepares for Abu Dhabi return

A short winter break has proved only to heighten interest, increase driver focus and build anticipation as the region’s leading race series speeds towards a long-awaited return to the UAE’s capital Abu Dhabi after over three years for round three of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East at the Yas Marina Circuit with two races scheduled on January 22.

Bahrain’s Jaber Al Khalifa last competed in round two at Saudi Arabia’s Al Reem Circuit in early December and will have welcomed the chance to reflect on a hugely enjoyable opening to season 7 and topping the driver’s standings in his category thanks to consistent results in prime position to take glory in his category but with 10 years of Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East experience, he’s more than aware of the challenges ahead.

Speaking ahead of the third round, Jaber said: “I have had a great start to the season but to maintain consistent performances is always a challenge for me so there is plenty of work to do. Winning my category is a big goal for me, and I will be calling on all my experience to try and get the right results but at the core for me, I do this to feed my passion for racing.”

For racing fans in the UAE, the return of the spectacular Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East to the capital will serve as a timely reminder of the country’s domination so far this season with Jeffrey Schmidt’s Al Nabooda Racing Team occupying two of the three top spots in the standings.

Schmidt (100 points) heads the overall championship by fourteen points from his two consecutive round wins and is keen to replicate his invincible form from the start of the season when the action hits Abu Dhabi.

After two exhilarating rounds in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, in second place is Irishman Ryan Cullen (86) of Cullen Racing, with third place belonging to another Al Nabooda Racing Team driver Zaid Ashkanani (82) of Kuwait.

The one-make series features six weekend rounds of racing consisting of two races each time with the fourth, fifth and sixth rounds scheduled back-to-back on January 29-30 and February 19 at the Dubai Autodrome and the final round on March 4-5 at Bahrain International Circuit.