Magny Cours: For all the track testing done by the HSBC Racing Academy drivers over the past season nothing prepared them for the wet and slippery conditions they encountered during the penultimate round of the Formula Campus Renault French Championship at Magny Cours today (Sunday).
Upon arriving at the Magny Cours French Grand Prix circuit it was clear that the HSBC drivers were facing a tough weekend as they were met by rain and the forecasts offered little good news. Wet weather tyres and a slippery track were conditions they have never experienced in their short careers and the resulting qualifying times rendered all three to the latter half of the grid. The local French drivers were clearly benefiting from the conditions which is part and parcel of racing in Europe whereas for the HSBC Racing Academy drivers the experience was a total novelty.
In the race Khalid Al Mutawaa finished in a credible 15th place out of 26 drivers. He kept his composure avoiding some of the mayhem thrown at him as drivers battled in the spray. "It was a very interesting situation as the visibility was very poor due to the spray that creates a mist which makes it difficult to see the cars ahead. I had one ambition in the race to finish and not be part of an accident. In a way mission accomplished but a higher placing would have made me happier."
Mohammad Al Abdooli admitted to being overawed by driving in wet conditions throughout the weekend. As a result he finished up in twentieth place bringing the car home unscathed. He was clearly dismayed with the result and refused to make excuses, "We simply did not have the required experience and track knowledge to drive in such conditions. Disappointing but that's racing."
Thani Al Thani proved to be the quickest of the trio throughout the weekend. Qualifying was a disappointment and he was forced to start from the back. This appeared to motivate him and he was immediately scything his way through the pack and at one stage was as high as 14th but he was forced to take avoiding action on a number of occasions which cost him time and on track positions. He eventually finished 21st and battle scarred, " It was the toughest race I have done because of the conditions. There was some chaotic driving out there and unfortunately I got caught in too many scraps to post a good result."
It was not all bad news for the HSBC Racing Academy as Dubai Autodrome Chairman Saeed Khalfan was in attendance at Magny Cours where he underwent negotiations and discussions with Formula Campus Renault organizers for the 2008 season. He ensured that the three Emirati drivers, currently being searched for in phase one of the HSBC Racing Academy, will next year (2008) have the best equipment at their disposal and also partake in a competitive arena where they will need to maximize their skills against some of the best young race drivers in Europe.
He said, "The HSBC Racing Academy is run under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum therefore we need to ensure that everything related to this project is of the highest standards. It is our responsibility and in fact vital that we ensure the best arena for the 2008 HSBC Racing Academy drivers to compete in. We have a strong relationship with the organisers of the Forumla Campus Renault who have hosted our boys over the past two years and we intend to keep this project on track. The Renault race driver programme is among the best in the world with promising drivers having the possibility of climbing the ladder into Formula One if they have what it takes. Current young star Heikki Kovalainen is a most recent example of the Renault ladder to the top."
Chairman Khalfan will also finalised points pertaining to the logistics of transporting the entire Formula Campus Renault field including teams, cars, spares, drivers and mechanics to Dubai in November for the final round of the 2007 Formula Campus Renault French Championship series which takes place at the Dubai Autodrome, over two rounds, during the Dubai Motorsport Festival on 16 and 17 November, 2007.
-Ends-
Released by Dubai Autodrome PR & Media Office
P O Box 24649, Dubai, U.A.E
Tel: +971 (4) 367 8700
Fax: +971 (4) 367 8750
Dir: +971 (4) 367 8700 ext (330)
Mobile: +971(50)855 7532
Email: paulv@dubaiautodrome.com
Web: www.dubaiautodrome.com
© Press Release 2007
