Clemens Schmid has one hand on his first series Porsche GT3 Cup championship

Clemens Schmid went pole to post to win Round 11 of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge at Bahrain and close the gap on taking his first title in the series.

Clemens Schmid of Dubai-based Al Nabooda Racing won Round 11 of Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) and to put one hand closer to grabbing the one-make serShow more

Clemens Schmid of Dubai-based Al Nabooda Racing won Round 11 of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East at the Bahrain International Circuit on Friday to move a step closer to winning his first title in the leading one-make series in the region.

Starting on pole position on the 15-car grid, Schmid produced a perfect performance from the front to move 12 points clear of his main rival, Saudi Falcons driver Abdulaziz Al Faisal, in a riveting two-horse race in the fourth season of the series.

Home favourite Mohammed Mattar showed his racing potential by claiming third following a brave overtaking manoeuvre on Karim Al Azhari on the last lap of the race.

Victory for Schmid, a 21-year-old Austrian, his seventh in a row, means he will be crowned champion Saturday if he simply finishes above Abdulaziz in the final race of the season or within the top eight.

"It is a perfect result for me and the team," Schmid said. "I have extended my lead over Abdulaziz and want to produce the same [Saturday] to win the championship."

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