Just champion for Cullen

New champion Ryan Cullen secured a narrow victory in the final race of Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East Season 8 on a special afternoon that offered a stunning showcase for the sport at Sakhir.

Saudi driver Bandar Alesayi topped off an impressive season of competition with a second place position in the silver category. The seasoned driver missed out narrowly on winning the category after a thrilling season long battle between himself and young Omani driver Al Faisal Al Zubair.

Thousands of fans had enjoyed a thrilling encounter that saw a battle unfold over ten laps of breath-taking action, all moments before the took to the track for the 2017 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.

At the chequered flag only 2.3 seconds separated a breakaway group of the top four drivers, condensing the series into a single race with Cullen determined to stamp his authority on the season and reign supreme in the showpiece event.

It was a fitting finale to the most competitive season in the eight-year history of the championship.

Final race victory was a dream ending for champion Cullen. After dominating the season the Irishman completed a wonderful weekend, taking his overall tally of eight wins in the season.  He said: “It feels so good to finish the season with a win.

“It’s been a special weekend for me, I started my championship here in November with a win and now I’ve finished on the top step again five months later. I’m going away from the Middle East with huge confidence and will be looking to make the most of this form in Europe this summer.” 

The final race once again proved just how competitive the Porsche GT3 Middle East Cup Challenge has become with every point hard earned between the best drivers in the region. Right from the opening lap Cullen’s rivals showed they wanted to have the final say of Season 8 and lay down a marker for Season 9. It would be no victory parade.

Pereira sprinted into an early lead on the opening corner overtaking Frijns and building a lead over the first three laps. But a blistering first sector of lap four saw Cullen rocket into the lead and push Pereira into second and Frijns third were they crossed the finish line.

Every driver in every category had a reason to push for points in the final race including the Bronze category, again showing the competitive nature of the championship.

Home-grown teenage talents of Isa S. Al Khalifa who finished second in the bronze category and second in the GCC Rookie Category, just ahead of teammate Isa A. Al Khalifa who was the third placed rookie.

Just as the dust settles on the final round of season 8 following an incredible climax, already plans are well in motion for Season 9 of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East.