Porsche GT3 Middle East. Round 1, Race 1, Bahrain. Show Stealer

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Though he would be unable to keep the newboy behind, the reigning Champion had still done enough to keep the gap to third-placed Al-Azhari in check.

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The Emirati driver meanwhile had enough on his plate refusing the advances of 2010/2011 series Champion Salman Bin Rashid Al Khalifa. Qualifying issues meant Al-Azhari’s Al Nabooda Racing-run GT3 would start behind his race long advisory, but thanks to a combination of nouse and a late dive for position, the Emirati driver managed to pip Al Khalifa for position.

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Also in the mix in the top six was the series’ only female participant, Christina Nielsen. Driving an eponymously-run Nielsen Racing Porsche GT3, Nielsen kept herself in the hunt for a strong points finish from the get-go. Though she would be unable to overhaul Team BuzaidGT’s Zaid Ashkanani for fifth place, sixth was still an impressive shot across the bows of many in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East paddock.

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An impressive start to the 2012/2013 season, and one wonders just how much competition Clemens Schmid will have wrestling the crown in his direction.

– Shots courtesy of Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East