Al Harthy in the mood as defending team champions look for top spot in Qatar

Defending champions Al Nabooda Racing have set themselves a big target as the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East prepares to makes its first daylight appearance at Qatar’s Losail International Circuit this weekend.

Clemens Schmid and Ahmad Al Harthy, who arrive in Doha holding second place in the team championship, aim to make a decisive move in the title race in Rounds 5-6 on Friday and Saturday and in the double race weekend to follow in Qatar on 13-14 February.

“Our goal is always to take maximum points from the weekends and we will do the best we can, irrespective of the other competing teams,” said Al Harthy ahead of two days of testing at the Losail circuit starting on Wednesday.

“We have more than half the championship remaining, there are many points to gain and many for others to loose, so we need to stay focused and give it our best. Consistency will be the key to winning the team championship.”

Trailing current leaders Sky Dive Dubai Falcons by ten points, Al Harthy knows that a big performance this weekend by himself and Schmid, who currently heads the individual drivers’ championship, can put Al Nabooda Racing on top.

That is a position they have become accustomed to in dominating the series for the past two seasons, and Al Harthy is feeling comfortable after four races with the team he joined this season.

“The adjustment hasn’t been too difficult honestly,” he said. “I’ve shown speed during the testing and practice, and hopefully I can now take that forward into qualifying and the races as well.

“I always knew it was a competitive series. If it wasn’t I wouldn’t have come back. The higher the levels the better it is for everyone involved. I’ve felt at home from day one and we keep getting stronger – that’s what counts. Everyone wants the best at Al Nabooda Racing.”

Team manager Vijay Rao said: “There’s a long way to go in the championship and no single race is going to decide the outcome at this stage. But we’ll reach the half way point in the season this weekend and we want to be leading when we get there.”

The lighting system at the Losail circuit covers an area equal to 70 football pitches, and is said to be capable of providing power simultaneously for 3,000 houses, or a street stretching from Doha to Moscow.

The lights won’t be needed this time, as after three consecutive seasons of night racing there, the Posche GT3 Cup series has opted for afternoon starts, although no decision has been taken for Rounds 7-8 next month.

Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East - team standings:

Drivers’ championship standings: