BAHRAIN — The Middle East's most exciting and professional race series, the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, creates its own chapter in the history of the series by having the first female racing driver ever. Christina Nielsen, who has made a big impression in Europe, will take her debut position on the grid alongside seasoned professionals and promising regional drivers in the opening rounds of the fourth season at the Bahrain International Circuit on Friday and Saturday. The 20-year-old, born in Rungsted, Denmark, is no stranger to racing having competed in the German Porsche Carrera Cup and this year's VLN Endurance Racing Championship on the Nürburgring. Speaking ahead of testing in Bahrain, Nielsen said: “I am thrilled at the thought of racing in the Middle East. The circuits look fantastic and I've only heard good things on the quality of racing and the organization of the series. By getting seating time and be able to compete I'm following my dream. I'm a competitive person, and I wish to grow as a racing driver from this experience.” “With only a few days to testing and the opening rounds in Bahrain I can't wait to get started. It will be a steep learning curve, but one that will help enormously with my development as a driver. I am ready for the challenge.” “I may be the only woman to drive in the championship, but for me when I put my helmet on I'm just another one of the drivers. I set my own targets to achieve and focus on my own goals,” Nielsen added. The Danish racing talent grew up in motor racing. Her father Lars Eric Nielsen raced Porsche's at Le Mans. She decided on a career as a racing driver at the tender age of 13, when she experienced the “adrenaline kick of speeding” in go-karting. Christina began her race career in 2006 with four years of karting, driving for the renowned Zanardi factory team, Chiese Corsa, with whom she qualified and competed in the World Championship. From there it was Formula Ford in 2010 and the Formula ADAC Masters series in 2011. Reigning champion, Saudi Arabia's Abdulaziz Al-Faisal, will face fierce competition to hold onto his title in the most exciting race series in the Middle East, from the likes of Saudi Falcons' teammate Faisal Binladen, Al-Nabooda Racing duo Karim Al-Azhari and Austrian Clemens Schmid. For the fourth straight season Lechner Racing, led by the hugely experienced Walter Lechner, will manage the one-make series and will be responsible for all co-ordination and logistical support to ensure another smooth and successful term. Lechner, Manager of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, said: “I cannot wait for it all to begin, as this will be one of the most exciting seasons on record. A vast array of drivers from all corners of the globe will compete for honors. The introduction of the Team Title will ensure dramatic on-track action from start to finish in every race.” With the series touring the region's world-class circuits, including Yas Marina drivers from Azerbaijan, Switzerland, Netherlands and Germany add an international flavor to the new season. The newly installed team title will bring an extra edge to the racing with every lap of every round counting. The races have been scheduled as follows: Round 1 and 2 in Bahrain (Nov. 16 and 17); Round 3 and 4 in Abu Dhabi, the UAE (Dec. 6 and 7); Round 5 and 6 in Dubai, the UAE (Dec. 13 and 14). — SG
