Team Radical Abu Dhabi drivers Jassim Al Shamsi and Humaid Al Masaood which are sponsored by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority,  had mixed fortunes on their debut race event at Spa in Belgium in the Radical European Masters Championship.

With a field of 48 Radical race cars on the grid in the opening round of the competition the drivers faced mixed weather conditions on what is one of the most challenging circuits in Europe.

Driving a “Team Abu Dhabi” liveried SR3 Radical race car, which was very prominent on the track, the pair attracted much attention from other participants in the series which has its final round at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi in October of this year.

On day one, practice sessions were held in bitterly cold and wet conditions, a far cry from conditions that they normally experience at their home track at the Yas Marina circuit. The practice sessions were regularly disrupted by red flags as experienced European drivers found conditions to be very difficult. Despite the on off nature of the sessions, the Abu Dhabi pair were able to gain valuable track experience with ever improving lap times.

By the time qualifying took place on day two, track conditions had improved albeit the temperatures remained low.  In qualifying for race one, Al Masaood was 14th fastest in class with Al Shamsi  qualifying in 15th place for race two.

Race one saw Al Masaood having to retire from the race after only two laps following an engine failure. In race two, Al Shamsi ran strongly throughout his session before handing over to Al Masaood who managed to bring the car home in 10th place in class.

Whilst the event proved to have mixed fortunes for the Abu Dhabi pair, both drivers showed good promise for the future. Each driver continually improved their lap times with Al Shamsi managing to produce a 5th fastest lap during his opening stint in race 2.

Carl Rolaston, team principal, stated that “both drivers showed good promise and despite difficult conditions managed a respectable finish in race 2. They both continue to improve their performances which bodes well for the next round at Germany’s Nurburgring which will be held in three weeks time”

For further information, contact Carl Rolaston Team Principal, +971 0 644 3585   carl@auhmotorsports.com.