Season 7 of Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East will make a greatly anticipated return to racing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the first time in over two years this weekend, Dec. 3-5. Round 2 of the region's leading one-make series will take place at Al-Reem International Circuit with a buoyant home crowd expected to turn out in force to support the newly-formed Saudi-based Al-Faisal Racing. The new team features local hero and former champion Abdulaziz Al-Faisal and his younger brother and racing protégé Saud Al-Faisal. Both drivers are well placed after consistent performances in the opening round in Bahrain and now look forward to a homecoming and podium finishes in their local circuit. For elder brother and experienced campaigner, Abdulaziz, Season 7 is a welcome return to racing after a one-year sabbatical. Currently seventh in the overall driver standings following a ninth and seventh place finishes in the opening two races of the championship, Abdulaziz said: "I've been looking forward to racing on home soil ever since the itinerary was announced. It's going to be special and a great experience for both my brother and myself. I've got great memories from the Al-Reem International Circuit, and hopefully we can make an impact and get the results that we need after a challenging first round." Consistently finishing each season with a top three place including over 22 race wins, 19 fastest laps and 11 pole positions across his five years of competition in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge, Abdulaziz is the most successful driver in the history of the series. His return to the Middle East's most professional and competitive series is sure to raise excitement levels around the region encouraging more young drivers to follow. The 2015-16 edition of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge features another impressive grid with 11 elite drivers from 7 different countries expected to lineup on the grid in Saudi Arabia including seasoned veterans and emerging young talent. The man to beat for the Al-Faisal brothers will be Jeffrey Schmidt of Al-Nabooda Racing who secured double wins and a perfect start to the Season 7 in Bahrain, comfortably ahead of Ryan Cullen and Kuwaiti legend Zaid Ashkanani in second and third, respectively. Regarded as the purest form of racing with all drivers competing in identical fifth generation Porsche 911 GT3s, the unique one-make series consists of 12 races between November 2015 and March 2016. The drivers will arrive at Al Reem International Circuit in Saudi Arabia Thursday for an action-packed three days of racing. Race 1 takes place at 4 p.m. Friday, followed by Race 2 Saturday also at 4 p.m. After Saudi Arabia, the championship heads to the UAE for three rounds in January and February, closely followed by the return to Bahrain for the climactic conclusion in early March.
