Qatar’s Frijns claims pole for first Season 7 of Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East starts in Bahrain

Qatar resident stars in qualifying of season opening round


By Stephen Reid
0
162
Rob Frijns Porsche GT3 S7-40

Qatar-based Charlie Frijns of team Frijns Structural Steel Middle East will start on his bid to win Season 7 of Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East from the ideal position of pole following qualifying for the opening race at the Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir.

 Held as part of the prestigious FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) final weekend the region’s leading drivers took pride of place as the first cars out on the stunning 5.40 km grand-prix configured track.    

 On a sun-drenched morning filled with excitement, adrenaline and a few nerves amongst the 15 drivers taking to the track, father and son duo of Rob and Charlie Frijns both got up to speed quickly and set strong times. It is the first time emerging talent Charlie Frijns has been fastest in qualifying as he continues to fulfil his promise as one of the region’s leading drivers.  

 During a frantic quick-fire qualifying session lasting only 30 minutes Charlie Frijns stole the show clinching pole for the first race in the twelve race series with a time of 2:04.549. In close pursuit also signalling his intent as a serious title contender debutant Jeffrey Schmidt secured second, only 0.281 seconds behind.

 After qualifying on pole Charlie Frijns said: “I couldn’t be happier. It’s exactly what I wanted and hopefully send a message to the rest of the grid. I’m really comfortable on this track and have qualified well in the past. It’s now in my hands. I’m going to stay focused and aim to drive a smart and consistent race from the front. Hopefully I can secure my first race win but I know it will be tough. Overall I’m very happy.”

 The second row of the grid comprised of championship newcomer Ryan Cullen from Ireland and Al Nabooda Racing’s Zaid Ashkanani with less than a second splitting the first six drivers on the grid. A clear indication that Season 7 is poised to be more competitive than any in the history of the championship with as many as six drivers all in with a real chance of winning the most prized title in Middle East racing.   

 Senior member of team Frijns Structural Steel Middle East, veteran and experienced campaigner, Rob Frijns added:

 “It’s been a great first day for the team so far thanks to Charlie’s efforts. I’m proud as both his father and teammate. Hopefully he can use the extra experience he gained in Porsche Supercup during the summer. He certainly has enough talent and pace to win. I start 13th but will look to make it into the top ten and onto the podium for my own category.”

 Manager of the Middle East championship, Walter Lechner of Lechner Racing added: “Well done to Charlie, a driver who has learnt his trade in this championship. This morning is a beautiful testimony to far this championship has come in our seven years of racing in the region, how far the drivers have come and why the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East is so vital to the future of the sport.

 “This championship and our drivers are sharing centre stage with the world’s leading endurance racers as well as the stars of GP2 and GP3. We’re proud to be in the spotlight as the only professional championship of its kind in the Middle East and sitting at the heartbeat of world motorsport. To have fifteen on the grid, ultra-competitive times and two races ahead of us this week, it’s the perfect start to our new season.”    

 Regarded as the purest form of racing with all drivers competing in identical fifth generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cups, the unique one-make series will consist of 12 races between November 2015 and March 2016.

 Round 1 of Season 7 of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East takes place at Bahrain International Circuit on the 20th and 21st of November 2015. On Friday 20th the first race of the championship starts at 18:10. The second race of the opening round is scheduled for 12:00 on Saturday 21stNovember. 

NO COMMENTS

LEAVE A REPLY