The 15-year-old driver from the UAE, Rashid Al Dhaheri scored an important win yesterday at Dubai Autodrome Circuit after the Abu Dhabi teenager was shining throughout a challenging race weekend at the Grand Finale.
The F4 UAE Championship concluded yesterday in Dubai and was of high attrition, packed with challenges on a technical and thrilling track. Driving for the prestigious Prema Racing Team with backing from Yas Heat Academy, Al Dhaheri was the sole representant of the UAE in a mixed grid of the best 34 F4 drivers from all over the world. This victory reinforces the challenging but rewarding path the young Emirati made, training and racing in the world’s toughest level of single seater racing, the F4 Italia and Euro F4 championships, with his skilled team enabling Al Dhaheri to develop key skills and shine at home races in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Proficiently prepared, Al Dhaheri ticked all the boxes in his racing weekend, the 15-year-old Emirati mastered the changing weather conditions with two flawless Qualifying sessions on Saturday, and consequently locked two Front Row starts for the forthcoming races.
After securing P2 in Saturday’s race, Al Dhaheri completed an outstanding performance on Sunday, delivering a sensational drive with top speeds up to 240km/h to be crowned winner by maintaining a cool and smart head, proving his steady development and becoming a top-level contender for the coveted event.
“After victory at Yas Marina Circuit last weekend, I am really happy to win also in Dubai. It’s an wonderful feeling winning at home in front of my family, friends and sponsors.”
“I am very grateful to the UAE for believing in me and for supporting me to follow my dream. My grandfather was riding camels from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi when he was of my age. Now I am racing in F4 cars on the most beautiful circuits in out country. It is fantastic to be able to prove this incredible advancement of the UAE and the huge opportunities the leadership provides us young people. I am happy to demonstrate that with hard work, determination and sacrifices, the impossible is possible.”
The two victories arrive timely for Al Dhaheri who participated for the first time in the UAE’s championship as he finally reached the age limit. As the driver to watch he is boarding the plane to Italy these days to start preparing with his team for the world’s toughest championship commencing in Italy early May.