(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Two Omani teenagers - Al Faisal al Zubair and Khalid al Wahaibi – celebrated the 47th National Day in style as they produced impressive performances in the first round of the highly-competitive Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East series at the Bahrain International Formula One circuit in Sakhir, Bahrain on Saturday.
The 19 year old Al Faisal, who was returning to the series for the second season after a successful outing in the Porsche Mobil 1 Super Cup earlier this year, showcased his mettle to claim up podium finishes in both the races, held on Friday and Saturday.
Khalid al Wahaibi (right) receives the trophy after winning the Bronze category in race two on Saturday
And the Oman camp had more to cheer as the 17 year old debutant Khalid, made a smooth sort of transition from Formula 4 car to a GT3 car as the rookie claimed the top spot in the Bronze category in both the races.
His opening round stint also earned him the top honours in the GCC Rookie category as he finished overall ninth and tenth respectively in the two races of the opening round that comprised a grid of 17 drivers.
Oman's Al Faisal al Zubair competes in his car (in front) during race two of the 2017-18 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East first round at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, Bahrain, on Saturday
Al Faisal shadowed Kuwait's Zaid Ashkanani and England's Tom Oliphant to the chequered flag in race one and finished in a similar position in a thrilling second race, where he was passed on lap eight by Oliphant, who also overtook Ashkanani on the penultimate lap to snatch the victory.
The two third places put Al Faisal on second position behind Oliphant in the championship standings after the first round, as Ashkanani is registered as a guest driver [no points earned].
A delighted Al Faisal said, 'There was a great fight in the second race. The top three kept on fighting and fighting.
Unfortunately, I finished third. But it was a great race. It was the same result as on day one, but the second race was much more exciting.'
Khalid's exploits on his debut races was a 'great achievement' with the Muscat-based schoolboy thrilled at his smooth transition from open cars to GT3 cars.
'I am delighted as I won both the Bronze and GCC Rookie categories on my debut. It was totally a new experience for me.
'Be it the car or the circuit, it was a new drive for me and to claim the top spots in two categories is a great way to start my career in the series.'
It is the first time that two Omanis are competing in the same race at a regional level.
'Al Faisal's presence is a motivation for me. He is racing in the series for the second time. I am looking forward to a successful series,' said Khalid.
On Friday, racing under the lights, Al Faisal began from fourth position behind Ashkanani, Oliphant and Frijns and quickly managed to overhaul the Dutchman to gain third place. He reached the chequered flag in the final podium position, 6.675secs behind the winner.
'It was a good start for me, where I started fourth and finished in third,' said Al Faisal. 'I thought I could go for the lead at the start, but I decided to avoid risks and opted to get the points for the championship. It's a good thing that Zaid won, because he is a guest driver and took points from my two main rivals, Oliphant and Frijns.'
Khalid did not make the best of start after qualifying 14th for the first race earlier. Clocking some fast laps, which included his fastest of 2m:05.852s,
Khalid did some sensible driving and overtook three rivals on his way to ninth place.
Khalid said, 'I am happy that I could end up among the top-ten drivers. It is a satisfying result given my early struggle in the race. I struggled with tyres in the race.'
The second race had Al Faisal start behind Ashkanani and maintained his position through the opening turns, with Frijns in third place until Oliphant passed him. By lap four, the leading trio was locked together in a thrilling tussle and Oliphant and Al Faisal swapped places briefly before the Omani regained his third position. The enthralling three-way tussle continued but Oliphant found a way to overtake Al Faisal and snatch second place on lap eight and went on to win.
Khalid had qualified 12th in race two and improved his standings to finish tenth.
'The experience in my maiden races has been good. I am confident that as the series moves on, I can do much better. I have the passion and faith in my racing abilities and I look forward to a good season,' said Khalid.
The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East now moves on to rounds three and four at the Dubai Autodrome on December 7-9.
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