Team Bahrain wrapped up early practice for Round 3 of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East at the Losail International Circuit targeting qualifying as a foundation to get back their confidence ahead of the proper action on 17th and 18th January.
With the season entering the business end with every point crucial in both individual and team rankings, Salman bin Rashid Al Khalifa and Mohammed Matter have been putting in the miles on the track to eradicate the “rustiness” in their driving ahead of the crucial qualifying session.
“The team has been very rusty as we have not had much time on the track. Today was a good day as we have been trying various set-ups and have been improving time-wise on each lap. I believe we have covered enough mileage to put ourselves in a good frame of mind to attack from the beginning in qualifying,” Speaking after clocking a time of 2:02.918, Al Khalifa said.
“I have only had two races this season and I am still getting used to the all-new Porsche GT3 Cup, but I am getting there and are confident of getting a good grid position for Race 1,” added Al Khalifa.
Mattar is seen as one of the rising stars of the championship and a future champion by motorsport experts, and his runner-up place last season in the Silver Michelin category was testimony of his talent. However he has been plagued with bad luck especially in Dubai where he was unable to pick up any points. He is targeting a fresh start after the winter break to recapture his form of Season 4.
“My season starts from Race 1 and hopefully lady luck will be on my side. I have not had the best of times, especially in Dubai but I intend to put all that behind me and go for the jugular in every race. The team has the potential and capacity to challenge at the top and our position in the table is false. We aim to rectify that this weekend,” After clocking a time of 2:02.616 in final practice ahead of Round 3, Mattar said.
Round 3 gets under way with qualifying at 18h00 with the grid assembled at 20h35 for Race 1. Porsche motorsport enthusiasts can come along to watch the action for free at the Losail International Circuit.