Al Naboudah joins Porsche Challenge line-up

Dubai: Al Naboudah Racing has joined the starting line-up for the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East which launches its third season at Dubai Autodrome this weekend.

The team's entry into the Porsche one-make series was announced yesterday by Porsche Centre Dubai, Al Naboudah Automobiles, the authorised Porsche dealer in Dubai and Northern Emirates.

Reigning UAE GT champion Karim Al Azhari and Stephane Lemeret, a former Belgian Touring Car champion now in the 18th season of his career, are the team's two official drivers.

"There is a very strong link between Porsche and motor racing, and the brand has a long and successful history in the sport," said Vijay Rao, team manager and general manager, Porsche Centre Dubai, Al Naboudah Automobiles.

"As the largest single Porsche dealership in the world, we are eager to promote this facet of the brand, and the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East presents a perfect opportunity for us to get involved."

Al Naboudah Racing gave the brand new Porsche GT3 Cup car its first outing during two intensive days of official testing at Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi on Sunday and Monday.

"We're delighted to have two such capable drivers on board," said Vijay Rao. "Karim has had a long and successful association with Al Naboudah Racing. We're certain that Stephane's great experience will be invaluable to the team as a whole, and that he and Karim will benefit from working together to produce the best results for Al Naboudah Racing."

Speaking about the championship, Al Azhari said: "It's an honour for me to be driving for Al Naboudah Racing in this race series. I have a special affinity towards Porsche and am also the President of The Porsche Club UAE. I have been in good form this year and I hope to do well in the championship."