Abu Dhabi: Saudi Arabia's Bandar Al Esayi of Al Esayi Racing threw open the championship with a clinical victory in the first of two races of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East at the Yas Marina Circuit here yesterday.
Al Esayi cashed in on an early slip from pole starter Ahmad Al Harthy of the Oman Air Racing Team to keep control throughout the 14 laps, to stay tied in the overall standings with countryman and back-to-back champion Prince Abdul Aziz Al Faisal of the Saudi Falcons Racing team, who was third. Belgium's Stephane Lemeret of Dubai-based Al Nabooda Racing was fourth.
Mohammad Omar, secretary of the Abu Dhabi Economic Department, and Abdullah Al Khoury, board member of Abu Dhabi Racing Management, presented the trophies to the podium finishers after the race.
"I was fortunate with that one small mistake from Ahmad. But once I had overtaken him I knew I had the pace to keep him away even though he kept on pushing me," Al Esayi told Gulf News.
Despite taking the second place, Al Harthy was pleased with the way he and his brand-new car were responding to the challenge. "This is my first time and I am glad that I am making my mark. This was a close race and it could have gone in anyone's favour," Al Harthy said.
"A podium finish during a Formula One race is just what I was looking for. It is now time to concentrate on tomorrow."
Earlier, during the morning qualifying run, Al Harthy secured a double success after he clinched pole for both the third and fourth rounds of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East. Competing in the Porsche one-make series for the first time this season, the Omani driver also set the overall fastest lap time of 2:14.008.
The second race, round four, takes place today.
Standings
Championship positions after Round 3: 1. Prince Abdul Aziz Al Faisal (KSA) Saudi Falcons (54pts); 1. Bandar Al Esayi (KSA) Al Esayi Racing (54pts); 3. Ahmad Al Harthy (OM) Oman Air Racing (46); 4. Stephane Lemeret (BEL) Al Nabooda Racing (42); 5. Saeed Al Mouri KSA) Saudi Falcons (34); 6. Mark Thomas (CAN) (26); 7. Sadoon Al Kuwari (QA) (25); 8. Hannes Waimer (GER) (21); 9. Clemens Schmid (AUT) (20); 10. Hans Guido Riegel (GER) Haribo Racing (16).
