Global Arab Network | Al Qubaisi Eyes Strong UK Debut - Abu Dhabi’s Porsche Mobil Hoping to Rule Britannia

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Al Qubaisi Eyes Strong UK Debut - Abu Dhabi’s Porsche Mobil Hoping to Rule Britannia

Thursday, 08 July 2010 08:02

Abu_Dhabis_Khaled_Al_Qubaisi_ishoping_for_a_strong_British_debut-

UAE (Abu Dhabi) - Khaled Al Qubaisi, Team Abu Dhabi’s Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Emirati driver, is hoping to put in a sterling performance in his UK debut this weekend as the world’s most exclusive one-make car series moves to the legendary Silverstone circuit, widely regarded as the home of British racing.

Having been a constant performer in his debut season with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA)-backed outfit, Al Qubaisi - who notched up his first competitive points haul in Barcelona earlier this year - is confident of his British debut.

“I hope that it will stay dry at the weekend. Although it’s summer, you never know in England. It’s my first time at the Silverstone track, so my target is to drive as many laps as I can to gain experience for next year,” said the 33-year-old, who learnt his trade karting in Abu Dhabi.

Team Abu Dhabi currently sits fifth in the overall standings, and Al Qubaisi’s teammate, Briton Sean Edwards, is hoping his home advantage could see the Abu Dhabi outfit put in a winning UK display, catapulting it back up the leader board.

“Silverstone is one of my favourite tracks. I prefer fast courses rather than the street races. I am sure that the fans in Silverstone will get right behind us. For me, it is simply great to start in front of the home crowd,” said the 23-year-old ace, nicknamed the ‘Rain Man’ for his wet surface driving skills.

“I’d like to repeat my winning result from the 2008 Supercup. That’s the target - nothing more, nothing less. I know the track quite well. Our team has a good chance of achieving a good result. The weather forecast predicts rain during the weekend, so it should be interesting.”

As the prelude to the British Grand Prix, running 9-11th July, the Porsche Mobile 1 Supercup will be watched by millions of fans globally as they take on the 5.9kms Silverstone circuit, which is characterised by a number of fast sections, pushing drivers to the limit.

“This weekend’s racing activities provide Team Abu Dhabi a significant opportunity to demonstrate its racing credentials in front of some of the world’s most passionate fans at one of the globe’s most historic motorsport settings. It also provides the emirate with a definitive platform to build awareness of its own motorsports ambitions ahead of November’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix,” said Ahmed Hussein, Deputy Director General, ADTA.

Team Abu Dhabi’s Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup outfit is the latest initiative from ADTA’s expanding motorsports stable. In 2007, the tourism body signed a landmark marquee partnership with BP-Ford World Rally Team, one of the most successful outfits in the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) World Rally Championship.

Under the partnership, BP Ford Team Abu Dhabi runs a three car series, which has provided UAE national Sheikh Khalid al Qassimi a platform to become the most successful Arab WRC driver of all time. The initiative also comprises a Junior Drivers development programme aimed at nurturing future WRC champions.

The historic WRC partnership opened the door to ADTA’s land, sea and air motorsport trinity as it subsequently launched dedicated teams for the UIM F1 Powerboat World F1 Championship and the Red Bull Air Race World Championship.

Global Arab Network

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