Team boss says Schmid, Al Harthy can produce winning formula in Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East

Al Nabooda Racing prepared for big fight to clinch Porsche GT3 Cup hat-trick

Dubai, December 10, 2014: Al Nabooda Racing believe they have the right formula to clinch a hat-trick of team championship triumphs in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, but feel the title race could be decided in a thrilling final round climax to the 2014-15 season.

With the Porsche GT3 Cup series now taking a break prior to the next race weekend at Qatar’s Losail International Circuit on 23-24 January, team manager Vijay Rao has expressed great faith in the ability of Clemens Schmid and Ahmad Al Harthy to come out on top.  

Schmid made it three wins in four races with his latest victory at Dubai Autodrome last weekend to lead the individual drivers’ championship, while Al Harthy produced two solid performances, helping Al Nabooda Racing to clinch the team prize in Round 4 and stay well in the team title hunt.

“Clemens is again showing himself to be the outstanding driver in the series, but Ahmad is playing a key role as well and we expect him to get better and better as the season progresses,” said Rao.

“We knew he would need time to settle back into the GT3 Cup car after a two-year break, but he’s already showed that he has the pace to mix it with the best drivers in the championship, and has learned a lot to carry forward to Qatar next month.”
With eight races to come, culminating in the showdown at Bahrain International Circuit on 4-5 April, Rao expects a fierce battle for honours in both the team and drivers’ championships.

“Already, we’re seeing that competition in the series is tougher than ever,” he said. “We had eight drivers separated by tenths of a second in qualifying last Saturday. 

“Then the third round winner, Saeed Al Mehairi, finished fifth 24 hours later, showing just how close it is between the top challengers. 

“It’s a very tight championship, and while we feel we have the right combination of drivers to be the No.1 team again, all the signs are suggesting that things could go right down to the wire.”

Drivers’ championship standings:

1. Clemens Schmid (UAE)            94pts
2. Zaid Ashkanani (KUW)             90
3. Hasher Al Maktoum (UAE)       84
4. Charlie Frijns (NED)                 76
5. Al Mehairi    (UAE)                  65
6. Raed Raffii (BAH)                    55
7. Wolfgang Triller (GER)             52
8. Ahmad Al Harthy (OM)            45