The Porsche Sprint Challenge Middle East (PSCME) returned to action at the famous Formula 1 Yas Marina Circuit for the Porsche Sports Cup Abu Dhabi after a few weeks of a holiday break. The event was the start of a double header with the second race weekend in a row taking place in Dubai at the beginning of February.

This time a field of 19 international starters from 14 countries was on track in the very well established Porsche 992 GT3 Cup car – and the man of the weekend was Harri Jones. Nevertheless, championship leader Ariel Levi claimed the pole position in qualifying for the first race ahead of the Australian. In the Pro-Am class, Georgi Donchev from Bulgaria was on top. The session was red-flagged with six minutes to go after a crash of Khaled Alahmadi, so it was tight for the drivers to put their final decisive laps in.

The race victory then went to Harri Jones ahead of Levi and Cordeel. The Australian Porsche Carrera Cup Champion took the lead at the start from pole setter Levi and stayed in front until the end. “Of course, the start was ever so important and I am glad I got that right!”, Jones was really happy, “it was just a shame the race had to finish under the Safety Car.” There was no more fighting for positions during the last five laps, as the SC had to come and stay out after Soeren Spreng misjudged his breaking and took out Alex Malykhin, with both cars stranded in a run-off area.

Victory in the Pro-Am category went to Salman Al Khalifa from Bahrain.

On Sunday, Jones claimed pole position just one thousand of a second ahead of Levi, while Cordeel came third. Fastest in the Pro-Am class was Bashar Mardini ahead of Saturday's crash victim Alex Malykhin. Jones then was able to celebrate another spectacular victory ahead of Levi and Cordeel. Levi, who now leads the championship with 33 points ahead of Cordeel, had received a 5-second penalty for a false start, but at the finish line, he had a gap big enough to stay ahead of the Belgian. Victory in the Pro-Am category went to Bashar Mardini, while Georgi Donchev still leads the Pro-Am Championship just one point ahead of the Canadian.

Robert Lechner, Series Head & Promoter, was really happy with the event: “I was especially glad that we saw a race with all 19 cars on the grid again on Sunday. A great shout-out to the teams who got everything ready again after the accident on Saturday, they really did a great job. We saw great racing again, but I am also proud that we were able to put on a great show for all our fans, guests, and partners.”

Marketing activities

Around the track action, there was again a great number of interesting activities to be enjoyed by the numerous guests. For the Porsche Sports Cup Abu Dhabi, the paddock suites were branded and transformed into Porsche Hospitality Suites for 400 guests on Saturday and 350 on Sunday, with food and beverages available all day long.

They could also test their own abilities in a GT3 simulator or a football activity testing feet-to-eye coordination, or experience a high speed adventure during the “HotLaps” in a Taycan, 911, or 718. They were also invited to attend pit-walks, grid-walks and the podium ceremonies to get a better insight into Porsche Motorsports. For the children, a special activity area provided some welcomed entertainment.

A special highlight was the Classic Car Parade, organized by Ali & Sons, who had invited the Porsche Classic Car Club. 41 cars made for an impressive attendance with the car owners also having the opportunity to drive their classic cars on the track for some time.