AHRAIN'S Shaikh Salman bin Rashid Al Khalifa, the first-ever race winner at Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina Circuit, hopes the venue will bring out the best in him again when he returns to action there next month in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East.

The 2005 Formula BMW Asia champion believes he can still land the new one-make Porsche title despite a disappointing start to the season on home territory last month. He is now relishing the big race weekend ahead in the UAE capital on February 5 and 6.

"You get a great feeling to be able to drive on such a modern track which was built and prepared to the most modern standards," he said. "It's like going shopping and somebody else is paying."

After finishing only fourth finish when the Porsche series, sponsored by Michelin and Mobil 1, made its Middle East debut at Bahrain International Circuit, Shaikh Salman fought back with two runner-up classifications at Reem International Circuit outside Riyadh earlier this month.

Hunt

While that still left him 28 points behind Saudi's championship leader, Prince Abdulaziz Al Faisal, the Bahraini star, feels he is still in the hunt for the title and wants to boost his challenge with a strong showing in the championship's third round.

"I'm confident that I have the ability and the skills needed to win this championship," said Shaikh Salman.

"It's going to be an uphill battle given the results so far. Prince Abdulaziz has driven faultlessly and I have to commend him for that. He has raised the bar for me in terms of the performance and consistency I'm going to need. If everything is lined up on his side, it's difficult to beat him.

"To take on a driver like Abdulaziz, you have to understand what you are up against and make sure you're prepared in every aspect of your approach.

"I was taken out in the first race of the series which meant we have not been on and equal playing ground, and while I would never wish any bad luck on another driver, clearly I need to take any chances that come my way and get ahead of him."