Luca Cima, a popular personality in UAE motorsport circles, could not resist the temptation to realise a life-long dream and negotiate a drive in the 11th edition of the Hankook 24H Dubai to complete a fascinating journey which began with endurance karting at the Dubai Kartdrome.
Cima has been a Dubai resident for 13 years and the Autodrome, where the 2016 Hankook 24H of Dubai takes place this month, is a place he knows well.
His ties to the circuit include working at the venue as an instructor, driving official support vehicles during races, participating in track days on both cars and motorcycles and a spell racing in the Radical Cup ME.
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The father of two explained: "I have lived with the Dubai 24 Hours for many years as a spectator or even as a Medical Car driver, but never had the chance to race in what is one of the most prestigious 24 hour races in the world – and it’s in my home town."
"This year I had an opportunity to join Sorg Team from Germany to race with their BMW M235 Cup and to be honest, once the budget was agreed, I immediately said yes. I have seen too many Dubai 24 Hours from behind the fence and I naturally had to dive into it. It’s my time now.
“The team looks great with plenty of experience and a very interesting line up of drivers. Three French drivers and myself, should make the little BMW fly and stay out of trouble."
Cima was a regular at the Kartdrome endurance championship and is familiar with the format of racing which requires militant style teamwork, clever strategy and relentless speed.
"Karts was the most affordable way into racing when I got to Dubai,” said Cima.
“I have participated in countless endurance championships with some great teams. I also raced the sprint championship in the UAE Rotax Max Challenge. But endurance Karting has been my only racing activity for several years.”
The Italian is adamant that he can make an impact in his Dubai 24H debut and is confident his team will challenge for top honours.
"I am here to win my class. I still race to win and I am naturally very competitive and I could never start a race if I wouldn't know I can win it,” he said.
“This attitude hasn’t changed and I know Team Sorg and my experienced teammates think exactly the same.
"I would like to thank the support of my personal sponsor Elite Materials and the General Manager Atreya Lakhotia, who believed in this project. He is as passionate as I am and I aim to reward him, and his company, with results on track.”
Qualifying for the 2016 Hankook 24H of Dubai takes place on Thursday, 14 January ahead of the start at 14:00pm the following day.
Entry with access to grandstands and the paddock area is free for spectators, with family friendly activities scheduled throughout the weekend.
