Bahrain’s Al-Khalifa hopes strong performance will inspire locals

Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East

BAHRAIN, April 4: Bahraini driver Isa S. Al Khalifa is hopeful a best-in-class performance in the upcoming finale of Season 8 of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East will not only put him in contention for silverware, but also inspire local drivers to try their hand in future editions of the series.

Round 6 of the region’s most competitive and professional motor racing competition powers into Bahrain for a thrilling conclusion to a season which has been defined by close competition and the development of a new generation of local competitors. Honing the raw talents of aspiring racers has been a hallmark of a series which prepares to wrap up an impressive eighth edition with a two-race showcase finale as part of the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix on the 15th and 16th of April. While his own interests and ambitions for success in the Bronze category, where he currently sits second, are front of mind, Isa S. Al Khalifa, is hopeful that fellow drivers from the region will be following his progress in the final round with curiosity. The thrill of racing and the development of his own skills have been major motivators for the Bahraini competitor who has impressed in his debut season in the series. He is hoping however, that his efforts will have greater meaning for the growth of motorsport in his own country and across the region.

Speaking ahead of the conclusion to Season 8 of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, Isa S. Al Khalifa said, “I came into this season of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East with my only racing experience being from karting. I was nervous, but excited, and

Winners on the podium

knew that making the step up from a gokart to a Porsche GT3 Cup car would be a tough but vital progression in my racing career. This series allows drivers like myself to experience the thrill and enjoyment of a professional racing series whilst learning in controlled and structured environment. I’ve already surprised myself this season, and with my team’s help managed to achieve some great results. I am currently sitting second in the Bronze category, which contains some very experienced drivers, and this is a massive confidence boost for me in my first season of competition. Of course I would love to be able to win the title in my debut season but I know I have a long way to go, and just being able to be in this position at this final stage of the season is a huge achievement in itself.”

He added, “I would love to be able to inspire other drivers like myself from around the Middle East that have a passion for racing or karting. It would be great to make others aware that there is a pathway to professional racing, and this is a great platform to get started. I’m hoping that a lot of young drivers will see me compete in the final round in Bahrain as part of the Formula One Grand Prix, and this will encourage them to follow their dreams, just like I have done!” Drivers spanning more than ten nations, including host nation Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are expected to line up next month and enjoy the racing experience of a lifetime as part of the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend. Competing across multiple categories and over the challenging 5.4km GP circuit at Sakhir, the Middle East’s top drivers will line up in front of passionate racing fans, and from behind the wheel of the powerful Porsche 911 GT3 Cup for what is set to be a thrilling conclusion to Season 8 of the series.

As excitement builds for the finale. Walter Lechner, founder and head of Lechner Racing, the organisers of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge, said the series wants to grow its role in developing local motor racers even further, “Eight seasons of competition and Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge continues to go from strength to strength, building the skills of new racers in the Middle East. This year has set a new standard for excitement and we’re hopeful that young fans following the series live at the tracks, in the newspapers, magazines, through our feature length TV show airing across the region, and the highlights packages we create for social media, are excited by what they see. We all know this is a region which is passionate about motorsport, but we want to get more people actively participating in it.

Our series is about development through racing opportunity. Our drivers spend hours and hours testing on the best tracks in the Middle East where we analyse their performance and help them refine their skills. Then they put their talents to the test in the races which give us some of the most entertaining motor racing in the region. Over the years we have helped develop some of the best racers from this region but there are a huge number of young drivers out there who we can help develop. Hopefully this last round inspires them to get involved in Season 9 which will be starting later this year.”

The involvement of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East in the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend will act as a huge boost for local motorsport with some of the best regional drivers being given a rare opportunity to showcase their talents while sharing the stage with the current stars of Formula 1.