Dramatic climax expected for Team Frijns as Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East races into final round in Bahrain

The father and son duo of Charlie and Rob Frijns are gearing up for a sprint finish over a dramatic final weekend of racing as the seventh season of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East comes to an exciting conclusion at the Bahrain International Circuit. 

 Only one round and two races staged over the 4^th and 5^th March on the challenging GP circuit at Sakhir now stand between the drivers and glory in the region’s only professional motorsport series of its kind. Charlie and Rob Frijns will be pushing for podium finishes in the overall drivers’ standings in their respective categories.

 Such has been the intensity of the series this season, drivers and fans are now in store for an intriguing final weekend as all three driver titles across the individual categories are yet to be determined. Currently, UAE-based Jeffrey Schmidt leads the overall driver standings and individual glory in Bahrain would add to the team title secured by Schmidt’s team Al Nabooda Racing during the penultimate round in Dubai.

 Speaking ahead of the final weekend, Walter Lecher, series organizer said:

 “Season 7 has been outstanding and across all driver standings, it all comes down to this weekend. That says so much for the reputation and future of this Championship. It’s what the drivers want and the fans, proving once again we have real competition. It also showcases the strength and depth of the grid and highlights that we have a Middle East series that offers something for everyone.

 “For young home grown talent like Zaid Ashkanani, Abdulaziz AlFaisal and Saud AlFaisal building their motorsport careers, the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East is a proven pathway into world-class international motorsport at the highest level. While for those in the twilight of the careers, veteran gentlemen drivers like Jaber Al Khalifa and Rob Frijns, this fuels their passion for racing and Porsche.

 “Nothing else in the Middle East provides a platform like this, to create and define motorsport careers. It’s only possible with Porsche technology and expertise alongside the management of Lechner Racing.

 “Personally it’s been hugely rewarding to see the standards improve again. Times are quicker, drivers are developing with every race and talents are emerging. Drivers like Jeffrey Schmidt and Ryan Cullen are extremely strong drivers with European experience and yet the driver’s title is still to be decided. Clearly there is little between the best Europe can offer and leading drivers from the region. This Championship is notorious for dramatic finales and I’ve no doubt we’re in for another spectacular finish in Bahrain.” 

 With so little between the top five, the series has once again proved its pedigree as the leading series in Middle Eastern motorsport as the only Championship offering professional racing and intense competition on the world-class circuits of the region.

 For Charlie Frijns very little separates the talent, times, experience and points between himself and the drivers sitting in third and fourth position. Only 22 points sit between Charlie in fifth and third place Ryan Cullen, with Saudi’s Abdulaziz AlFaisal between the two in fourth. A strong performance in Bahrain could see Charlie push into a podium position in the overall drivers’ standings at the very last hurdle. 

 The young Qatari based driver will be returning to a track which he feels plays a major part in him not currently in contention for season silverware. The first race in season 7 at the Bahrain International Circuit proved a nightmare start for the aspiring Frijns as he was forced to retire in Race 1, exiting with no points. With some tremendous performances over the following rounds Charlie believes that Race 1 of the season has come back to haunt him, and he is determined to put things right this weekend back where it all started.

Speaking ahead of the final round, Charlie Frijns says:

 “Season 7 has been another fantastic season for me so far and I have continued to learn and develop in many areas. I have really found form over the last few rounds and I feel good out in the car which shows in the lap times I am setting on the track.

 “Returning to Bahrain for the season finale will be a very important race for me. I was forced to retire in here in Round 1 of the season, and I believe this has played an important part in where I am currently in the driver’s standings. I started the first race of the season here in pole position and even if I had left with a position in the top 4 I would be a lot closer to third place overall as it stands today. For me this is a chance to put things right at the Bahrain circuit and I know that a strong performance could give me a chance of claiming one of the top 3 spots to finish the series.”

In the Bronze category, veteran driver and father Rob Frijns will be fighting for gold in his category as he currently sits 21 points behind Bahraini leader Jaber Al Khalifa. However Rob cannot afford any mistakes in the final round, with third place Magnus Ohman hot on his heels only 13 points behind. Everything could change between the top 3 in Bahrain this weekend and Rob Frijns is hoping he comes out on the right side of the results   

 Rob Frijns commented ahead of the final round:

 “It has been another fantastic season in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge and I have enjoyed every minute of it. I am probably one of the rare few that are able to enjoy this championship as a driver, but also as a parent, with my son Charlie racing alongside me. It has been great to see myself and my son improve this season and we have both put in some respectable performances for the team which sees us currently in third place in the team standings.

 “I am excited for the final round of the season. I will be pushing hard to try and take the number one position from Jaber, but also very aware that any mistakes could cost me the second position with Magnus so close behind in the standings. It should be a great race!” 

 Regarded as the purest form of racing, every lap and every corner of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East counts. Qualifying is split by hundredths of seconds and racing is pushed to the limits with driver talent and race craft the difference between winning and losing as all drivers competing in identical fifth generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cups.

 The unique one-make series consists of 12 races between November 2015 and March 2016. Season 7 concludes at the illustrious Bahrain International Circuit between 4^th and 5^th March.

Overall Championship Standings

Team Championship Standings