Dubai: The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East heads for a big new season curtain raiser in Abu Dhabi, with the first rounds on November 13-14 forming the official support races for the 2010 F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit.
Launched last December, the one-make series made an impact in its inaugural season that saw Saudi Arabia's Prince Abdul Aziz Al Faisal record nine victories in 12 rounds to become the first GT3 Cup Challenge champion in the Middle East.
Porsche's long and illustrious record of involvement in motor sport was underlined following an official press conference at the Dubai Autodrome to preview the second season of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East.
On display alongside the latest version of the Porsche GT3 Cup car, which is making a world premiere in the series, were some of the most famous racing models ever built, including Porsche's first car designed for motorsport more than half a century ago —the 550 Spyder built in 1954.
Six cars have been flown to the UAE from their home in the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, for a rare public appearance at Porsche Centre, Dubai on November 6.
Yesterday, the latest state-of-the-art Porsche racing machinery, the 450 horsepower 2011 GT3 Cup car, was driven for the first time in Dubai when Prince Abdul Aziz and several other drivers from the 2010-11 season starting line-up had their initial test sessions behind the wheel.
"Like the drivers, we're all excited about the new season ahead, especially after the excellent start we enjoyed last year which exceeded our expectations," said Deesch Papke, Managing Director of Porsche Middle East and Africa.
