Manama: A special one-off stage of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East will be held ahead of this weekend’s F1 Bahrain Grand Prix.

Eight of the top nine drivers from season seven have confirmed their participation, including recently crowned champion Jeffrey Schmidt.

For Dubai-based Schmidt, this weekend is another chance for him and his fellow competitors from across the region to showcase their talent on the biggest stage.

“We’re counting down to what is going to be another very special weekend of competition,” said Schmidt.

“We’re so used to the tension and excitement that comes with a season-long competition that this will be a different experience altogether.

“With limited track time, it’s up to the drivers to deliver under pressure, so I expect a very competitive race. When you add the buzz of an F1 weekend to it, we could be in for one of our most important races to date and it will all be happening when the motorsport world watches, so the opportunity is huge.

“Warming up the track with the Formula One drivers will be a special feeling and I’m going to be focused on securing the win.”