Dubai: Skydive Dubai Falcons and Al Nabooda Racing posted some of the fastest times in pre-season testing in Bahrain last weekend ahead of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East.
Emirati duo Shaikh Hasher Al Maktoum and Saeed Al Mehairi, who took the team title for Skydive Dubai Falcons last season, carried that dominance into the opening warm-up for this year’s campaign, with Al Mehairi being the fastest on day one.
And Zaid Ashkanani, who lost out to Al Nabooda Racing’s Clemens Schmid in the drivers championship last season, has now joined Al Nabooda Racing following Schmid’s departure to team up with Jeffrey Schmidt, where they are looking for driver and team honours this season. Ashkanani demonstarted that intent finishing fastest on day two.
“Myself and Jeffrey (Schmidt) are both excited for the upcoming season and the opportunity we have,” said Ashkanani. “The aim is to win the team trophy for Al Nabooda Racing and enjoy some friendly team rivalry as both Jeffrey and I are hoping to take all out victory in the drivers’ championship.
“Of course we hope to win but nothing is guaranteed especially with such a strong line up of drivers all looking for victory. We both know the series well and most of the tracks so we’re in a strong position but we can’t get ahead of ourselves. It’s been great being back out in the car for testing and round one is fast approaching so we are excited and looking forward to the start of the action,” he added.
Round one of the six-round 12-race series kicks off in Bahrain on November 20-21, before the format heads to Saudi Arabia December 4-5, Abu Dhabi January 22, Dubai January 29-30 and February 19 before the final round in Bahrain again on March 4-5.
