Kuwait’s Zaid Ashkanani will replace Bassam Kronfli, who cannot participate due to a neck injury.
Lebanese Edy Saaiby is the second driver to represent the region at the race on the historic Norisring in Nuremberg.
The Audi Sport TT Cup is part of the DTM weekend. Following the Le Mans 24 Hours, it’s the season’s pinnacle event as it is the only street circuit race of the year and Audi Sport’s home round. Nuremberg is only 90 kilometers away from the Audi headquarters in Ingolstadt.
Audi Middle East is supporting talented drivers from the region, giving them a chance to show that racers in the Middle East have the ambition and driving skills to take on the world’s best.
The 22-year-old Ashkanani is a role model for young motorsports enthusiasts in Kuwait and has a wealth of experience in racing.
He started his career by participating in the Silver category with Dubai’s Al Nabooda Racing at the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, in which he was the youngest championship winner in only his second year.
“I can’t wait to get to Norisring. It is a great opportunity for me to race with Audi Middle East. I’m looking forward to show my skills in such a high profile race,” said Ashkanani.
Saaiby is a regular at Yas Marina Circuit and his ambition is to reach the top professional level of the sport. The 32-year-old, who started driving at the age of 15, said: “It’s a pleasure for me to join the Audi Sport TT Cup race at one of the best racing tracks, the Norisring, and have my first international race.
“I’m looking forward to develop my racing career with Audi Sport and to learn from the experts.”
VIDEO: @Sport360 take spin with #alnaboodaracing star @ZaidAshkanani in #Porsche GT3 car https://t.co/UzRV1i9C6E pic.twitter.com/UoR3nqx3Hk
— Sport360° (@Sport360) January 4, 2016
A total of 125 male and female drivers applied for a starting place in the 2016 Audi Sport TT Cup.
Sixteen international talents were selected and now receive the chance to demonstrate their skills in the Audi one-make cup.
The race can be watched live at www.audi-motorsport.com.
