Motorsport fans will be spoiled for action this weekend when the 2016 Hankook 24H Series hits Dubai again to flag off the motor racing calendar.
The excitement will be high as the Dubai Autodrome hosts the 11th running of the event, which is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee.
From Thursday until Saturday, January 16, one of the largest fields in endurance racing will take to the course with the maximum grid capacity of 100 cars reached.
The A6 Class will be the most represented and paced by the UAE’s own Khaled Al Qubaisi with the Abu Dhabi Racing Black Falcon team. Al Qubaisi is aiming for his third title after claiming the crown on home soil in 2012 and 2013.
“This is the challenge and special thing about this race, there’s a big field of cars,” Al Qubaisi. “Last year we experienced it by going out because of the traffic when we had an incident with one of the cars.
“It’s really, really tough. It’s tougher than actually going flatout on difficult tracks like Spa, Nurburgring or even Le Mans.”
Though he’s one of the 32 drivers with UAE roots who will take to the grid, Al Qubaisi understands he’s the crowd favourite.
“It’s your hometown and everyone expects you to win. Right now we know we’re the fastest, we’ve proven we’re the fastest over the last five years. It’s just about making sure we stay out of trouble and hopefully Lady Luck will be on our side.”
Last year’s event saw the number two Black Falcon Mercedes team of Germany claim the top spot, while Lebanese squad Memac Ogilvy Duel Racing won the overall team’s championship. Both will once again rev their engines in what’s sure to be a spectacle.
“I won’t say it’s an event; it’s a phenomenon,” said Mohammed bin Sulayem, president of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE).
“With motorsport in the UAE, you have to see who it’s good for. As a sportsman and in charge of motorsport here, I believe this is genuinely a very good event, it attracts a lot of people and is good for the UAE.”
Official practice and qualifying takes place on Thursday before the race gets underway for 24 hours tomorrow at 14:00. Entry to the grandstands and the paddock area is free for all spectators and family-friendly activities will be available throughout the weekend.
WHAT: Hankook 24H Dubai
WHEN: Thursday, January 14 to Saturday, January 16
WHERE: Dubai Autodrome
Sport360 VERDICT: One of the most unique motorsport events in the UAE calendar, the 24H Dubai is a treat to follow, whether it’s for one hour or the entire duration. Beautiful cars and actionpacked racing, what’s not to love?
CONTACT: Visit www.24hseries.com/live for more information, including live broadcast during the race
