RIYADH: For Saudi driver Mohammed Jawa, participating in the Formula 1 Grand Prix support race recently in Bahrain for the first time was a great experience, with “no amount of words could be mustered to graphically describe it.”

“I had great fun, and I understood how to get more out of the 991 and had some great battles. My start was great, as I am used to he rolling starts from Maseratti and Radical races, I think I got the best out of it,” Mohammed said.

He added, “I struggled a little on the opening laps by driving defensive and I lost places. It’s really great to get a podium.”

The event — Porsche GT3 Cup exhibition — was held to entertain fans of the Bahrain Gulf Air Grand Prix on the circuit’s 10th year anniversary celebration.

With many familiar faces joining the seventeen car grid for the double header weekend, he was relishing the opportunity to race the GT3 991 car after making his debut in the Porsche GT3 Cup only four weeks earlier. This time he achieved a dream result with his first podium finish during the weekend.

The first race of the weekend saw Mohammed start from P13 on the grid and he got a great rolling start and jumped up to 8th by the first turn.

By lap six, however, he lost out to the battles and dropped back by lap six. With solid determination on lap seven, Mohammed gained a position, finding himself at 11th.

A fierce battle ensued mid race between drivers Robin Frijs, Khalid Al Mutawaa and Ender and on the last lap an opportunity arose where Mohammed capitalized on the melee by claiming P10 overall and 3rd in the silver class on his last lap, giving him his credible maiden class podium finish in the Porsche GT3, only four tenths off newly crowned champion Ashkanani.