Inspired by their father Khaled Al Qubaisi’s podium finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans last weekend, sisters Hamda and Amna are hoping for a good show at the Portimao Circuit in Portugal this weekend in the second round of the CIK-FIA karting championship.
Hamda Al Qubaisi will be taking part in the Academy Class, returning to the championship after a promising effort in round one at the 1.22km Circuit International d’Aunay Les Bois in France in April.
She showed good pace in France and managed to reach the Pre-Final, but was nudged out of contention for a place in the Final following an incident involving three other karts.
Sister Amna, meanwhile, will be competing in the OK Class, alongside a cluster of 40 drivers. She is familiar with the Portimao Circuit where she raced with the UAE team in the Rotax World Finals last November, but this will be Hamda’s first time at the 1.531km circuit.
“We are very excited to be in Portimao, particularly the event coming close on the heels of our father [Khaled Al Qubaisi] being on the podium at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans this past week,” the sisters said. “This has given us added confidence and we will try and fight for positions in the upper middle ranks in order to make it to the finals.
“It will be a tough competition for sure but the goal will be to stay out of trouble and to gain maximum experience from competing at the Portimao Circuit.
“We are really thankful to Abu Dhabi Racing and Daman Speed Academy for having faith in our skills and for their continued support as we advance in our racing careers.”
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