(MENAFN- Arab Times) KUWAIT CITY April 17: This weekend the region's leading drivers will compete in the final round of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East Season 6 as part of the official 2015 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit with the driver's and team championship title winners still to be determined.
For those local racing drivers with a chance of winning it is a huge opportunity to both collect silverware in the Middle East's only professional series and enhance reputations in front of some of motorsport's most influential people. It is the ultimate test. Porsche drivers including Ashkanani Clemens Schmid (UAE) and Saeed Al Mehairi (UAE) will be asked to be at their very best on the biggest stage of all while controlling emotions nerves and adrenaline. Entering the final round Dubai-based Schmid of Al Nabooda Racing enjoys a twelve point lead (240) over Kuwaiti defending champion Ashkanani in the Drivers' Standings with Al Mehairi of Skydive Dubai Falcons in third (177). Speaking ahead of practice Walter Lechner Manager of Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East said: 'For drivers and fans of local motorsport this Porsche series has served up the ideal scenario. Ten years ago Porsche first supported the F1 in Bahrain. So it's very special to now have the deciding final round of a dedicated Middle East championship witnessed by full grandstands as the world of motorsport looks on. 'This is when drivers will feel the pressure and whoever can handle that pressure best will be victorious. For some who embrace the opportunity it will be a dream scenario sadly for others it could feel like a nightmare. But this is when the best standout. Whoever wins will deserve it.' As an official support race official 2015 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix driver track time will be hugely reduced compared to usual Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East weekends. The Porsche drivers will have to share the track with both Formula 1 and GP2 series resulting in only one practice and one qualifying session for both races. Adding further intensity to the pressure faced by drivers and teams. Reigning champion Ashkanani said: 'I came here last year and won by a point against a more experienced driver. That's in my mind and I've a good feeling here. I welcome the showdown as I've won this series so I've nothing to fear. Plus racing as part of Formula 1 weekends is something I will face more of so I'm looking forward to it. I'm trying to learn from other drivers who race in GP2 to see how they handle the challenge.' The team category sees a straight fight for the title between current reigning champions Al Nabooda Racing (Clemens Schmid & Ahmad Al Harthy 351 points) and Skydive Dubai Falcons (Hasher Al Maktoum & Saeed Al Mehairi 343 points). Current championship leader Clemens Schmid ahead of practice said: 'Everything is on the limit this weekend. Pressure is increased to its maximum yet time to prepare on the track is reduced. That might make it difficult for some drivers but I'm used to this. As a Porsche Supercup driver this is what I live with racing in Europe. I'm comfortable with the pressure. I'm leading the championship and plan to stay ahead following the final round.' A thrilling season finale to decide the driver's and team championships of the sixth season lies ahead with the opening race of the final round scheduled for 16:30 on April 18. The second race of Round 6 and final race of the season will be held at 15:30 on April 19 ahead of the 2015 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. Overall championship standings ahead after Race 2 Round 5 Top 6 Name Country Team Points 1st Clemens Schmid UAE Al Nabooda Racing 240 2nd Zaid Ashkanani Kuwait BuzaidGT 228 3rd Saeed Al Mehairi UAE Skydive Dubai Falcons 177 4th Charlie Frijns NED Team Frijns 170 5th Hasher AlMaktoum UAE Skydive Dubai Falcons 166 6th Raed Raffii BAH Team Bahrain 138 Overall Team Title standings after Race 2 Round 5 Top 6 Name Country Points 1st Al Nabooda Racing UAE 351 2nd Skydive Dubai Falcons UAE 343 3rd BuZaid GT KUW 268 4th Classic Arabia Racing KSA 258 5th Team Bahrain BAH 220 For the full race schedule driver profiles or latest news on GT Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East please visit the official website: www.gt3cupchallenge-me.com or follow series' news at www.facebook.com /porscheGT3CCME or on Twitter PorscheGT3CCME.
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