Porsche GT3 Challenge Cup Middle East announces a six-round calendar for the 2013/2014 season, the fifth since the series inauguration.
[Not a valid template]Porsche GT3 Challenge Cup Middle East has confirmed the calendar for its fifth season of competition, a season which will also mark the competitive debut of the all-new Porsche 991 GT3.
Powered by a 3.8-litre flat-six engine producing 460hp, the new 991 GT3 also includes a newly developed six-speed sequential gearbox with an electro-pneumatic paddle shift system, the first time such a transmission has been used in Porsche single make cup racing.
Six rounds, each encompassing two races, are due to take place during the 2013/2014 Porsche GT3 Challenge Cup Middle East season between November 2013 and March 2014. As was the case last year, round one will take place at the Bahrain International Circuit, followed swiftly by round two at the Dubai Autodrome just two weeks later. The Losail International Circuit kicks off the new year with round three of the season. Qatar could also host round four, though it is unconfirmed whether the Reem International Circuit in Saudi Arabia will take its place. The penultimate round takes place in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, with teams and competitors returning to Bahrain for the season finale in March.
Among the returnees already confirmed for the 2013/2014 Porsche GT3 Challenge Cup Middle East season are the Saudi Falcons duo of Abdulaziz Turki Al Faisal and Faisal Binladen, Kuwaiti sensation Zaid Ashkanani (who also made two podium finishing appearances at the opening round of the 2013/2014 NGK Racing Series), and Denmark’s Christina Nielsen, who last year became the first female driver to compete in the series. Reigning champion Clemens Schmid – the first-ever GT3 Middle East champion to hail from outside the region – and Al Nabooda Racing – recipients of the first-ever team title last season – will return to defend their crowns, while a full entry list will be unveiled in a few weeks time. Long-time GT3 runner Karim Al Azhari is expected to return.
– Selected shots courtesy of David Benson
| 2013/2014 | Porsche GT3 Challenge Cup Middle East |
|---|---|
| 29-30 November 2013: | Round 1, Bahrain International Circuit (BAH) |
| 12-13 December: | Round 2, Dubai Autodrome (UAE) |
| 17-18 January 2014: | Round 3, Losail International Circuit (QAT) |
| 31 Jan-1 Feb: | Round 4, Losail International Circuit (QAT)? Reem International Circuit (KSA)? |
| 7-8 February: | Round 5, Dubai Autodrome (UAE) |
| 7-8 March: | Round 6, Bahrain International Circuit (BAH) |
