Dubai: Al Nabooda Racing’s Clemens Schmid has his sights set on the drivers’ championship as the fifth season of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East concludes at the Bahrain International Circuit on Saturday.
The final stage of the six-round series will be a chance for Schmid to regain his position at the top of the drivers’ standings after slipping to second — three points behind Kuwait’s Zaid Ashkanani — when he failed to take any points in Dubai.
The final two races of the season in Bahrain carry a total of 50 points and with Schmid taking victory in the two season openers at the same track late last year, the Al Nabooda Racing star can be confident ahead of what is set to be a close finale.
“All our hard work across the season will come down to the last two races and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” said Schmid. “The event showcases the finest talent in the Middle East and what better conclusion for the season?
“For me I know that winning both races will make me champion and that is what I am going for. Two first places will put the trophy in my hands and anything other than that will mean I have to rely on luck.”
The season finale will also be an opportunity for fourth-placed Shaikh Hasher Al Maktoum of Skydive Dubai Falcons to finish his breakthrough season on a high.
“Personally I have been pleased with the way I have performed this season in what is an extremely challenging competition,” said Shaikh Hasher.
“Obviously my ambition is to win but we have to accept that we have a lot of learning to do and success comes from a lot of hard work and experience gained over time.
“As a team we have had a promising year and I very much hope we can continue to develop. Bahrain is going to be hugely enjoyable simply because of the way the series has gone on; sport does not get much more exciting.
“For us the weekend will be about keeping our focus and making sure we push right to the end.
“You never know how things will pan out and there are a lot of points up for grabs so we will have to make sure we are in a position to capitalise on any opportunities.”
