Abu Dhabi Racing targets third win in the 24H of Dubai

Team Abu Dhabi Racing Black Falcon is looking forward to adding a third 24 hours of Dubai title to its trophy cabinet when the 11th edition of the Hankook 24H Dubai is run on the weekend of 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, which will be making its world debut at the Dubai Autodrome on race weekend.

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.

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.

Al Qubaisi said: “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.

“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.
“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.”

Al Qubaisi added: “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.”

TIME SCHEDULE

Thursday 14 January 2016

11:30 – 12:00 Hankook 24H DUBAI Free practice 1, Class A2, A3, CUP1, TCR, SP3

12:05 – 12:35 Hankook 24H DUBAI Free practice 2, Class A6, SPX, SP2, 991, 997

12:35 – 13:30 Break

13:30 – 16:00 Hankook 24H DUBAI Free practice 3 ALL Classes

16:15 – 16:45 Hankook 24H DUBAI Qualification 1: Class A2, A3, CUP1, TCR, SP3

17:00 – 17:30 Hankook 24H DUBAI Qualification 2: Class A6, SPX, SP2, 991, 997

17:30 – 18:00 Break

18:00 – 20:00 Hankook 24H DUBAI Night practice

Friday 15 January 2016

10:30 – 11:00 Hankook 24H DUBAI Warming up

11:45 – 12:45 Break

12.45 Start grid of the Hankook 24H DUBAI

14:00 hours Start of the Hankook 24H DUBAI

20.00 Fireworks

Saturday 16 January 2016

14:00 Finish of the Hankook 24H DUBAI

14:15 Publication of results

14.15 Podium ceremony (ALL CLASS WINNERS)