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Al Azhari Eyes Porsche GT3 Cup Breakthrough With Al Nabooda Racing
Karim Al Azhari says his hunger for a first race victory in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East can help Al Nabooda Racing bring the team title in the region’s leading race series back to Dubai for the first time.
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The multiple UAE circuit racing champion currently lies third in the Porsche GT3 Cup drivers’ championship, having linked up superbly with Austrian Clemens Schmid this season to create the leading team in the series.
While the team trophy remains the main objective for Al Nabooda Racing, Al Azhari wants to start challenging team-mate Schmid and leader and defending champion Abdulaziz Al Faisal at the front of the pack.
With Reem International Circuit outside Riyadh hosting Rounds 7-8 on February 6-7, Al Azhari says: “For the second half of the season I will be pushing to get closer to Clemens and Abdulaziz.
“I’m still learning about the GT3 Cup car, and how to make the best use of it. But my target is that, in the future, they will be chasing me and not the other way round.
“Natural talent and a good knowledge of the GT3 Cup car is the difference at the moment. They are both very talented, and they have had a lot of experience in this type of car.
“But I believe I am getting close to my first win, and it’s only a matter of time before I get it. I’m not going to get carried away though. I’ll still be keeping a close eye on the rest of the competition which is also fast improving.”
Al Faisal will be turning on the power when the GT3 Cup series returns to his home Reem circuit next month as he looks to increase his lead in the drivers’ title race and help the Saudi Falcons close the gap on Al Nabooda Racing.
Al Azhari made his Porsche GT3 Cup debut at the tricky Saudi race track last season, and knows that he and Schmid will come under pressure as they protect a 20-point lad in the team championship.
“We have a strong lead coming into the second half of the season, but we don’t need to push too hard and take risks,” he said. “We’ll need to be patient at Reem because the Saudi drivers will be at their best on their home track and it could be tough.”
1. Karim Al Azhari – feels he is getting close to his first race win in the Porsche GT3 Cup series.
2. Al Azhari and Al Nabooda Racing team-mate Clemens Schmid are ready to face pressure in Saudi Arabia.
PaddockTalk Perspective
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