DUBAI: Oman’s Al Faisal Al Zubair has claimed an outstanding victory in the first of two races at Dubai Autodrome this weekend in Round 2 of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, as part of the UAE National Day series.

From pole position, the Omani teenager secured victory with an accomplished and assured performance, for his second win in his series career.

The result means Zubair (67pts) is now second in the drivers’ standings and has narrowed the gap to only four points behind Tom Oliphant (71pts) of Great Britain going into Saturday’s race which marks the 100th race in the history of the prestigious series.

On Friday, Zubair was followed over the line by current championship leader, Oliphant, who finished second. Germany’s Wolfgang Triller completed the podium places in a career best third and Dutch driver Charlie Frijns fourth.

Speaking after winning in Dubai, Zubair said: “It’s been a great day for me today, we set some really quick times to secure pole position in qualifying, and had a great start in the race which allowed me to pull a gap ahead of Tom Oliphant and Charlie Frijns. Charlie managed to overtake me on the second corner but I took the position back immediately and then pulled away again. The result helps me to build on my hopes of winning the championship this season and is a huge step for me once again.”