Schmid aims to build on winning habit in Qatar
Al Nabooda Racing hope Clemens Schmid canbuild on his impressive winning record at Losail International Circuit when the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East reaches the half way point in the 2014-15 season this weekend.
Schmid, who is looking for a double race success with Ahmad Al Harthy for the defending team champions on Friday and Saturday, has won five of the last six rounds of the GT3 Cup series at the Losail track.
“He certainly likes the track and we’re looking to Clemens to produce another big performance this weekend,” said Al Nabooda Racing team manager, Vijay Rao.
“At the same time, we expect Ahmad to be right on the pace. He has adjusted quickly to the GT3 Cup car and the race dynamics of the one-make series after joining us this season.
“The Losail track is one where he can use his driving skills a lot more compared with other circuits. He’s looking forward to it as much as Clemens is.”
With Al Nabooda Racing currently holding second place in the team standings behind Sky Dive Dubai Falcons, Schmid feels that he and Al Harthy can wipe out the ten-point margin in Qatar, where Rounds 7-8 follow on 13-14 February.
He is taking nothing for granted, however, on a circuit where he won both rounds in the 2012-13 season, and three out of four of the GT3 Cup races held there last season.
“This GT3 Cup series is more competitive than ever now, especially in the team championship,” said Schmid. “Every team has the ability to win.
“It won’t be easy and the team title could be decided in the final race of the season. But we’re still confident that we can come through and take it.”
Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East – team standings:
1. Sky Dive Dubai Falcons (UAE) 149pts
2. Al Nabooda Racing (UAE) 139pts
3. Team Bahrain (BAH) 84pts
4. ClassicArabia Racing (KSA) 75pts
5. Frijns Structural Steel ME (QAT) 45pts
Drivers’ championship standings:
1. Clemens Schmid (UAE) 94pts
2. Zaid Ashkanani (KUW) 90
3. Hasher Al Maktoum (UAE) 84
4. Charlie Frijns (NED) 76
5. Al Mehairi (UAE) 65
6. Raed Raffii (BAH) 55
7. Wolfgang Triller (GER) 52
8. Ahmad Al Harthy (OM) 45