Mardini ready to race at Yas Marina

abu dhabi — The iconic Yas Marina Circuit welcomed local and international driving talent on Thursday, as the region’s highly competitive Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East prepares to heat up the UAE for the final time this weekend.

After back-to-back rounds in Dubai, drivers and their Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars made their way to the capital to continue the exhilarating racing series, testing the celebrated track ahead of vital races both on Friday and Saturday. Marking the final round in the UAE this season in style, drivers will negotiate the full Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix circuit for the first time, handling 21 terrific turns over 5.54 km.

With Season 8 shaping up to be the most tightly fought contest yet, every race, corner and second is vital to each drivers’ overall standing in the series.

Facing the challenging Yas Marina Circuit and Formula 1 configuration, the races this weekend are a turning point in the season for all drivers. Dubaibased driver Bashar Mardini is one of those drivers looking to secure vital points for an overall podium finish in his category.

No stranger to the track or the city, Mardini is currently sitting 22 points off a third place podium finish in the silver category. He will be using his experience of the track, having competed in the Gulf 12hr race with Porsche in 2015, to produce a quick qualifying and race time tomorrow.

Commenting on the track and what will be required tomorrow in qualifying, Bashar Mardini said: “It’s great to be back out on the track here, it’s an amazing circuit and one that impresses me every time. I have been working closely with my team and I am sure we will get the time where it needs to be.”

It’s an amazing circuit and one that impresses me every time Bashar Mardini