RIYADH — Following a seven-week winter break, the Middle East's leading one-make series, the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East emerges from its winter break for Rounds 7 and 8 at the Reem International Circuit on Feb 6 and 7 here. Abdulaziz Al-Faisal is all geared up to break away from the field in his quest for the third championship title. The Saudi Falcons driver leads the championship standings with 140 points, a marginal 12-point lead over his closest rival, Al-Nabooda Racing's Clemens Schmid, followed by the UAE's Karim Al-Azhari on 117 points. Abdulaziz will be looking to take full advantage of home territory where he has an almost impeccable record and move a step closer to a third title in four years. He has won seven of the 10 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East races staged at Reem over the past three seasons, proving almost unbeatable on the twisting track set against the background of rolling sandy hills. Abdulaziz is banking on an expected 15,000 home supporters to help him cross the line first and extend his lead over Austrian Schmid. Speaking ahead of practice, he said: “Home advantage will only count if I win both rounds, otherwise it does not come into the equation. Coming on the back of two second-place finishes, it's important we capitalize on the opportunities available at Reem. I have an almost perfect record here and I will look to maintain that if I want to win the championship.” “We're at only half-way stage, so it is too soon to think about the title just yet. I have an exceptional competitor in Schmid, who is putting pressure on me throughout the season,” he added. Faisal Binladen, Abdulaziz's teammate, is hoping for better results in the second half of the season as he looks to move up the table and also help the reigning champion in the Team Title category. Binladen is currently fifth in the championship standings with 85 points and second in the Silver Michelin category behind Kuwait's Zaid Ashkanani. He said: “Driving on my own home circuit is always a special feeling. I want to give them something to cheer about and improve my performances. I need to move up the table and try and move into the top three or four position. It is also important as far as the Team Title is concerned. Abdulaziz and I need to collect as many points as possible and not let Al-Nabooda move away from us.” Al-Azhari eyes win Karim Al-Azhari also says his hunger for a first race victory in the Cup can help Al-Nabooda Racing bring the team title in the region's leading race series to Dubai for the first time. While the team trophy remains the main objective for Al-Nabooda Racing, Al-Azhari wants to start challenging teammate Schmid and leader Abdulaziz. Al-Azhari says: “For the second half of the season I will be pushing to get closer to Clemens and Abdulaziz. “I'm still learning about the GT3 Cup car, and how to make the best use of it. But my target is that, in the future, they will be chasing me and not the other way round. “Natural talent and a good knowledge of the GT3 Cup car is the difference at the moment. They are both very talented, and they have had a lot of experience in this type of car. — SG
