Team Abu Dhabi Racing Black Falcon is targeting a third 24 hours of Dubai title to its trophy cabinet at the 11th edition of the Hankook 24H Dubai from January 14-16.
Having previously won the title in 2012 and 2013, the team led by Abu Dhabi endurance racing star Khaled Al Qubaisi will be aboard an all-new Mercedes AMG GT3 at the Dubai Autodrome.
Sharing driving duties with Al Qubaisi over the course of the 24 hours will be Maro Engel and Huber Haupt, both of Germany, and Dutchmen Jeroen Bleekemolenand Indy Dontje.
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Al Qubaisi is aware of the tough competition Team Abu Dhabi Racing Black Falcon will be facing given that no less than 100 cars are expected to line-up on the start grid.
“It is great to be back racing at the Dubai24H. It’s been a constant part of our race programme for the last five years and so far we have been very successful with two wins, three podiums and a 4th place finish,” he said.
“It’s a very special race and requires a completely different approach and set of skills from other endurance races, but we will be looking to repeat our wins from 2012 and 2013.”
The Black Falcons will be first team to use the Mercedes car and although Qubaisi hasn’t been able to get behind the wheel of the new motor, he is confident of the team getting to grips with it in time to make a significant impact at the Autodrome.
Flying into #2016 #HappyNewYear everyone #AbuDhabiTotalWRT #WRC pic.twitter.com/K4oRohZoJR
— AbuDhabiRacing (@AbuDhabiRacing1) December 31, 2015
“We are also very excited to be the first team to drive the new AMG GT3 race car, which makes its international debut here in Dubai,” added Qubaisi.
“We haven’t had the chance to test it as the car, which we had to have airlifted to arrive in time for the race, has just been delivered to the team. We will have a test day prior to the race and hopefully that should be good enough for us to get acquainted with the AMG GT3 race car.
“Also, I must mention that we have strong partners for this race in Sanad, Omeir travel agency, Kaspersky, Injazat, BearingPoint, Roger Dubuis and AAT.
“I would like to thank them all for the trust they have in us and the support they have extended to the team.”
