The second round of the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East 2025/26 was held as a support event to the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail International Circuit, underscoring the strong position of this single-make series in the region. Two free practice sessions on Friday already highlighted the weekend’s standout performers. Japanese newcomer Taichi Watarai — who impressed during the season opener in Bahrain — set the fastest time in both sessions, followed closely by Australian Caleb Sumich.

In Saturday’s qualifying, Watarai secured pole position with a four-tenths margin over Sumich. Local hero Abdulla Al-Khelaifi from Qatar qualified P3 overall and topped the GCC category, aiming for a podium in front of his home crowd. In P8 overall, Japan’s Bankcy led the ProAm category ahead of France’s Cedric Chassang and Australian Sam Shahin. In the Masters class, Sweden’s Krister Andero set the pace ahead of Canadian Mark J. Thomas and Petr Brecka from the Czech Republic.

The second-fastest lap of each driver — used to determine the grid for Race 2 — once again placed Watarai ahead of Sumich, with Saudi driver Khaled Alahmadi completing the top three overall. Chassang led the ProAm field ahead of Shahin and Bankcy, while the Masters category mirrored the Race 1 order.

Race 1 followed immediately after a dramatic F1 qualifying session, creating an outstanding atmosphere under the bright Lusail lights. Sumich made an excellent start, positioning himself to take the lead on the first lap. Although Watarai remained close over all 11 laps, the Australian held firm and crossed the line 1.2 seconds ahead. Al-Khelaifi secured third place overall and the GCC win in front of his home crowd. With overtaking opportunities limited due to the track characteristics, most positions were decided early. Chassang claimed the ProAm victory ahead of Shahin and Bankcy, who lost ground after a poor start. In the Masters class, Petr Brecka capitalized on a strong launch to take thewin ahead of Andero and Thomas.

Race 2 opened Sunday’s main race day, with Watarai retaining the lead off the line. However, the race was stopped on lap 2 following a major accident involving Saud Al-Saud, who fortunately escaped uninjured. It was subsequently decided to declare Race 2 void and award half points based on the final qualifying classification.

As a result, Taichi Watarai now leads the overall standings with 82.5 points, holding a 31-point advantage over Alahmadi, with Sumich a further 2.5 points behind. Cedric Chassang heads the ProAm classification by 9.5 points over Sam Shahin, while Petr Brecka moves into the sole lead of the Masters class. Team Seven X Seven maintains its lead in the Team championship, now ahead of Saudi Racing.

Michael Schöch - General Manager: “Being part of the Qatar F1 Grand Prix is always a great honor for us, and we are grateful for the opportunity. While we are disappointed that we could not complete the second race, the safety of our drivers will Always remain our highest priority. We now turn our focus to Round 3 in Dubai after the holiday break in January.”