The UAE drivers from the H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Racing Drivers Academy competed in the fifth race meeting of the Formula Renault Campus Championship which took place at the 3.8 km circuit of Val de Vienne in France. The academy drivers showed impressive driving skills throughout the weekend.
As Hasher Al Maktoum was unable to take part in the event due to family commitments. His fellow compatriots, Faisal Al Redha and Mohammed Al Kamda, finished 6th and 7th respectively in the first qualifying session. During this session and for 10 of the 15-minute session Faisal was actually in pole position but then his good run was hit by an engine problem, which prevented him from taking any further part the proceedings.
However, when Race One commenced Faisal, starting in sixth, managed to skilfully navigate his way through the pack and by lap two, was in third place. But then more tragedy was on the way. A competitor hit his car and forced him to retire from the race. Mohammed Al Kamda suffered a similar fate with the same opponent.
During the 2nd qualifying session which counts for Race Two, Faisal was only able to complete four laps as his mechanics were still working on the car. He continued in another car but its configuration did not complement his driving style. He eventually finished seventh while Mohammed came in tenth.
Race Two saw both UAE drivers putting caution to the wind and going all out for a result. Faisal, who started in seventh, battled his way to the end to finish fifth, but another problem this time with the brakes forced Mohammed to call it a day.
After the race Faisal commented, ‘we were doing well in the qualifying rounds until we had problems with the cars. Then during the first race, a car spun behind me and hit my car as well as Mohammed’s at the same time. The second race was better for me as I managed to finish 5th which is still a good result as we are not used to rainy conditions. Overall we are very happy so far and would like to thank the His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum and Dubai Autodrome for their continued support, excellent facilities and trainin and for giving us the opportunity to take part in such an exciting sport. We are continually looking to improve.’
The H.H Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Racing Drivers Academy is the first of its kind in the UAE aims to select and train young UAE drivers and give them the ability to race and compete at the highest international level. It will deliver a comprehensive approach to educating and training UAE nationals and provide them with all the training and support the need to enhance their racing skills.
Dubai Autodrome is the region's first fully integrated motor and motorsports facility. The Autodrome is a state-of-the-art complex featuring an FIA sanctioned 5.39 km track, ultra-modern 7,000-seat grandstand, hospitality suites for corporate guests and parking for up to 10,000 cars. There are six track permutations, while three can work simultaneously, which gives unparalleled options for track users.
The complex, which is a part of the Union Properties development MotorCity, includes a racing & driving school, a CIK-approved go-kart track and is ideal for concerts and corporate entertainment. Dubai Autodrome also acts as a social destination and tourist attraction for overseas visitors.
