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The 10th season of Porsche BWT GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East came to a dramatic conclusion with a thrilling final weekend of action during the Formula 1 weekend.
Turkey’s Berkay Besler capped off a fine weekend by winning both races, after Omani Al Faisal Al Zubair clinched the overall title by earning the top 10 finish he needed in Race 1.
With the championship already decided, Race 2 presented itself as an opportunity for the drivers to compete with the freedom and ability to showcase the high level of skill that has become synonymous with the championship.
Cypriot Tio Ellinas started on pole position, his second of the weekend, followed by Al Zubair next to him on the front row and Besler in third.
Ellinas had a blistering start, holding off pressure from Al Zubair and Besler going into turn one, Season 10 champion who showed just why he’s won a consecutive championship following a brilliant manoeuvre on lap three, taking Ellinas on the inside of turn three to the crowd’s delight.
It looked like Al Zubair was cruising to victory until a crash between Saul Hack and Isa A Al Khalifa resulted in the safety car being deployed, slowing down the race and removing any lead Al Zubair had built. When racing resumed it was Besler who was quickest off the mark, capitalising on Ellinas locking his brakes in turn one and manoeuvring past Al Zubair into first place, where he’d remain for the rest of the race. Al Zubair finished in second, with France’s J.B. Simmenauer in third.
After claiming back-to-back titles, Al Zubair said: “Race 2 was a really good race. I would obviously have liked the win, but I’m happy with a P2 finish overall. The safety car wasn’t necessary in my eyes and it gave Berkay the opportunity to close the gap an eventually move into P1. But that’s racing. I’m delighted with the Championship win and have enjoyed every moment of the series.”
The star of the weekend, Besler, said: “It’s been a really amazing weekend for me and a strong end to the championship. To secure a win in Round 5 and two in Round 6 is beyond what I could have expected. It’s been a good season for me and I’ve learnt a lot.
“I feel like I’ve improved in every round and that’s down to the amount of strong drivers on the grid. I’m very happy with a second place finish in the championship and I must congratulate Al Zubair who has driven extremely well all season and deserves his title.”
Following Al Zubair’s win, the founder and organiser of the series, Walter Lechner, said: “It’s been a truly incredible weekend of racing; arguably the best of the whole season. The roster of drivers was the most competitive we’ve seen, and this was evident with the level of driving on display. I’m delighted to see Besler achieve his second win of the weekend. To beat championship winner Al Zubair and Porsche GB Carerra Cup Champion Ellinas, it shows just how much the series has helped develop his skills over the last six months.”
