Abu Dhabi: As Abu Dhabi prepares to decide another dramatic Formula One world title race on Sunday, one of the Arab world's newest motor racing champions is aiming to make his own mark during an action-packed weekend at Yas Marina Circuit.
Saudi Arabia's Prince Abdul Aziz Al Faisal is in a confident mood as he begins the defence of his title in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, although he anticipates pressure from a number of directions as the series enters its 2010-11 season.
He scored three of his seven victories in the 12-round championship in Abu Dhabi last season, and the No 1 on his brand new 2011 Porsche GT3 Cup car reflects not only his domination of the inaugural series, but where he wants to remain.
"I'm looking to win the title again, and I've prepared well for the new season so I have given myself every chance," he said.
"I'm sure it's going to be more difficult this time though, as the other guys have done their homework and will be trying to put pressure on me."
With Abu Dhabi's Khalid Al Qubaisi and Bahrain's Shaikh Salman Bin Rashid Al Khalifa both eager to make a winning start in Round 1 on Saturday, another threat to the reigning champion could come from much closer to home.
Saudi Fahad Algosaibi underlined his talent by becoming the youngest ever winner in the history of Porsche one-make racing at the age of 16 in Round 10 at Reem International Circuit, outside Riyadh, last season.
Beaten into second place that day, Prince Abdul Aziz said of Algosaibi at the time: "It's not bad to lose a race to someone like Fahad. He's very talented and we'll have to watch out for him next year."
