The Gulf Radical Cup official got underway last week with a series of test days. First of which was the official pre season test which saw 8 of the registered drivers show what they are made of with their times up on the screens with official timing.

3.5 hours of Radical only testing on the Dubai Autodrome National Circuit and in the end it was recently crowned British GT (Pro/AM) Champion Ian Loggie position the fastest time of a 1:24.944, closely followed by Ian Roberts and Alex Bukhantsovon all driving the latest spec 2021 SR3 XX. Also posting a quick time was Usmaan Mughal of Team Pakistan.

First time out on track in his GulfSport Racing SR3 RSX was Kuwaiti driver Mohammad Alkazemi, completing more than 120 laps over the two days of testing. Joining on the second day was Paul Huskinson in his SR3XX.

Also putting in the laps was Julien Monie in his newly acquired RSX, and Amir Feyzulin in his RSX.

It was fantastic to see Tarek Elgamel back working at the track after nearly three years recovering from serious medical complications - great to have him back!

In more great news there was a last minute season entry from George King (Goldcrest Oils), racing with JWR. George was out in his SR3 XX on the second day of testing showing encouraging pace.

Also UK Radical series regular Martin Verity will race the new GulfSport SR3 XX with support from his home team 360 Racing.

So looking ahead to the first round in just 7 days, there is an amazing 14 cars on the entry list, with no less than 6 of the new SR3 XX taking to the track.

With the new format the drivers will get two qualifying sessions and three races over the weekend, and surely its season veteran Ian Roberts in his new 2021 SR3XX, chasing for his first championship title. But with Ian Loggie showing great pace, new comer Alex Buckhantsovon showing great pace in testing, there is only one thing for sure - its going to be a great season.

Sprint Race qualifying kicks off at 0930 on Friday the 12th.