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Kuwait Zaid Ashkanani produced a stunning opening race in Round 6 at the Bahrain International Circuit to move a step closer to an unprecedented first title in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East.

Starting on pole in the 20-car grid on the 2.5643 km circuit, Ashkanani did not have the best of starts as he lost his advantage on the first corner to Charlie Frijns and Skydive Dubai Falcons Saeed Al Mehairi. But the teenager showed all the hallmarks of a champion to keep his composure and reclaim the race lead on lap seven and drive home to victory. Schmid kept his title ambitions alive by finishing second with Frijns third.

Speaking after the race, an ecstatic Ashkanani said: “It was one of the toughest races of the season and I had to battle to win the race. I had a bad start and lost my pole position in the first corner but kept my cool as I knew I it was a 20-lap race and I had time to claw my way back. I am one step closer to claiming the title but there is still one more race to go and Schmid is a champion driver who will not let his crown go that easily. But today I showed I want to win my first title and will do all I can to claim the prize.”

Race one produced an absorbing encounter with positions changing regularly between the top six. Frijns took full advantage of Ashkanani’s poor start, jumping from second to first in the opening lap with Mehairi moving ahead of the Kuwaiti into second. Ashkanani bided his time until lap seven where he regained, taking advantage of mistakes made by Frijns and Al Mehairi to take control of the race.

Once in control, Ashkanani kept his nemesis Schmid at bay to win the race by 3.115 seconds and move five points clear in the title showdown with one race to go.

The battle to finish in the top six in the penultimate race of the season was just as exciting as the top half of the table. Skydive Dubai Falcons went into the race looking to close the gap on Saudi Falcons in the Team title category and duly obliged to the challenge. Despite moving into second at once stage of the race Al Mehairi finished fourth with Al Nabooda Racings Karim Al-Azhari finished fifth to help team-mate close in on Team title. Hasher Al Maktoum continued his impressive run of performances by finishing sixth and moving his team into second in the Team category.