QMMF-backed driver Amro al-Hamad will contest the inaugural Prototype 3x3 Endurance race at the Dubai Autodrome today.
This fresh new series developed by Creventic will form a triple-header of three-hour races only for prototypes. Today’s race is the opening round of this new international series.
The series is solely for prototype class cars, including the familiar Radical sportscar brand in which al-Hamad was the 2013-14 Middle East champion.
He is no stranger to the GP circuit, having previously excelled in the Dubai 24-hour races for the past two seasons with second in class podium finish in 2015.
The opening round will be fought in the WOLF GB08 car with Italian factory team Avelon Formula Racing.
It is a familiar car for al-Hamad, having campaigned successfully at Yas Marina Gulf 12-hour with a first in class, and claiming podium places in the Belgian races, SuperLights Challenge and Zolder 24 hours endurance last season.
Al-Hamad is the sole confirmed Arab driver representing the QMMF and the wider GCC region in this event.
“It’s great the Creventic team started this special prototype series as in other race events like the Gulf 12 hours or Zolder 24 hours, visibility was always a challenge for GT cars to see the prototypes as they are a lot lower and a bit tricky while overtaking in the mid corner.”
“I have raced a lot in prototypes on the GP circuit and that’s an advantage for us. Also I believe, with Nick’s experience in endurance racing we can aim for a podium finish,” the Qatari racer said.
The Avelon Formula racing team will have two cars and al-Hamad will team up in car #46 with experienced prototype South Africa based British driver Nick Adcock who is the 2015 African Endurance Series champion and 2016 vice-champion.
Nick has won more races in the series there than any other driver, including the prestigious African 9 Hour. In the sister car #45 will be Italian duo Ivan Bellarosa and Guglielmo Belloti.
Nick Adcock commented, “I am thrilled to be invited to join the Avelon Formula team for this inaugural event at such a great venue. It looks like a great all-round package and I can’t wait to get to Dubai.”
The action starts today, with two free practice sessions in the morning session, followed by qualifying in the afternoon. The first race will run from 14.00 till 17.00 hours. A night practice is scheduled from 18.00 till 19.30 hours. The second race will take place tomorrow, from 9.00 till 12.00 hours, and the third race runs from 6pm till 19.00 hours.