Khalid Al Qubaisi Aims for Historic Achievement at Dubai 24 Hour Race
Race Details
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, January 7, 2013: Emirati driver Khalid Al Qubaisi, the first Emirati to win the Dubai 24 Hour Race, is looking to achieve a historic milestone by surpassing racing legend Bernd Schneider in his quest to stand on the podium twice at this weekend's race.
Abu Dhabi – Black Falcons Team
Al Qubaisi is teaming up with German champion Schneider as part of the "Abu Dhabi – Black Falcons" team, competing on the Dubai track with two Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 cars, aiming to defend the title they won last year with excellence.
Participation in Both Cars
The two cars will carry the new Abu Dhabi Racing logo, and Al Qubaisi will have the opportunity to compete in both vehicles, attempting to replicate the experience of his teammate Schneider, who secured second and third places in last year’s Dubai 24 Hour Race.
Al Qubaisi's Statements
Al Qubaisi stated: "Bernd Schneider is a legend, and I am thrilled to have him on our team. Last year, he participated for over 10 hours, competing in two cars from his team, which finished second and third in the race."
He added: "I want to participate for more hours this year. While the second team car is just as strong as the first, I will compete in both cars to increase my chances of winning."
Race Preparations
He continued: "Competing in two cars will require a tremendous effort, and I have worked hard and trained extensively over the past two months to enhance my fitness, including running longer distances and continuous workouts at the gym."
Abu Dhabi Racing Team
In the first Abu Dhabi Racing team car, Al Qubaisi will again join his teammates from the 2012 edition, British driver Shawn Edwards and German Jeroen Bleekemolen, along with Schneider.
In the second team car, Al Qubaisi will compete alongside Andreas Simonsen, who finished third last year, along with rising star Steven Jansen, experienced Russian driver Sergei Afanasiev, and German Simon Napp.
Significance of Abu Dhabi Racing Team
Al Qubaisi compared his desire to win and defend the title he achieved with his team last year to his ambition to achieve success with Abu Dhabi Racing, which participates in various global events and championships to promote the Emirate of Abu Dhabi through motorsport.
He said: "The launch of the Abu Dhabi Racing team is crucial for UAE motorsport as it significantly contributes to discovering and developing national talents. We are proud to carry the team’s logo on our cars and promote the company and its goals."
Participation in Other Championships
Furthermore, Al Qubaisi, alongside Sheikh Khalid Al Qasimi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Racing, and Khalid Bin Shaiban, Vice Chairman of Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management, joined the board of Abu Dhabi Racing, a team aimed at enhancing Emirati participation in various global motorsport events, including circuit racing, rallying, and off-road events.
On another note, a five-year agreement with Citroën will see Sheikh Khalid participate in the World Rally Championship this season as part of the Citroën Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team, which consists of three cars, in addition to leading the team in the 2013 Middle East Rally Championship.
