For the second time in as many days, Al Nabooda Racing’s Clemens Schmid led from start to finish in Race 2 of Round 3 in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, at Losail International Circuit in Qatar to extend his lead at the top of the Drivers’ Standings.
Taking the chequered flag in second place was defending champion Zaid Ashkanani who now lies 10 points behind the leader at the halfway stage of the series.
Fahad Algosaibi was third with Skydive Dubai’s Saeed Al Mehairi fourth and his teammate Sheikh Hasher Al Maktoum fifth.
Schmid had a powerful start to Race 2 but was immediately under pressure from his closest rival Ashkanani.
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Despite a few anxious moments where he almost lost control of the car, the UAE resident kept his composure to hold off the Kuwaiti in what was an exciting and close competition.
Although Schmid backed up his win in the opening race with another victory, he admitted it was a difficult race.
“That was a very tough race for so many reasons but it’s the perfect result for me, but more importantly for Al Nabooda Racing as today we won for the team,” Schmid said. “I really struggled to get temperature into the front tires which made the car slide and hard to control.
“Yesterday’s race was a lot easier for me. Today I drifted wide twice but fought hard to stay ahead. I could feel Ashkanani closing in but I worked hard and in the end it was a sweet victory.
“I hope we can do the same again in two weeks’ time, win the races and win for the team when back in Qatar. To be 10 points clear at the half way stage is a great position.”
After starting from fifth on the grid, Al Mehairi had a sensational start which saw him and his Skydive Dubai teammate, Sheikh Al Maktoum, both jump two places to third and fourth respectively.
A mistake in the early laps meant Al Mehairi dropped down to fifth at the expense of his Emirati partner but with just after the halfway stage was able to squeeze past and secure fourth, nearly capturing third.
“That was a really good weekend for me personally and for the team,” Sheikh Al Maktoum said. “Not only do we have confidence in the car we have real belief that this is where we belong and that we are capable of winning even on tracks outside of Dubai. That’s a real step forward.
“Although the result wasn’t as good as yesterday it was a strong performance.”
The region’s leading drivers will line-up in the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup again as the star attractions at Losail International Circuit for Race 1 and Race 2 of Round 4 on February 5 and 6.
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