Proton Competition: (l-r) Christian Ried, Klaus Bachler, Khaled Al Qubaisi
Abu Dhabi/Le Mans, 19 June 2014 – In cooperation with Emirates Global Aluminium Company (“EGA”), the Emirati circuit racing and endurance star Khaled Al Qubaisi became only the second Arab driver to get onto the podium at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans last weekend, and the first to finish on the podium in LMGTE AM class driving his Porsche 911 RSR on June 15.
The Abu Dhabi native, sharing the car with Austrian Klaus Bachler and Christian Ried of Germany, was overwhelmed with emotions on completing the grueling 24hour race over 339 laps in total, he raced three double stints, with 6 hours in total, he said afterwards that he was at a loss to explain the feelings that engulfed him on finishing second.
“It was a very emotional moment for me and my entire team. We came to Le Mans with the intention of just finishing the race because that in itself is a great achievement here driving at this legendary circuit in the company of some of the most accomplished drivers.
“But with great teamwork and dedication by the entire crew we made it to the podium. A lot of hard work has gone into this achievement and I want to thank everyone who supported me and my team in getting this result,” Al Qubaisi added.
The UAE driver, who raced at Le Mans last year as a oneoff, is doing the entire FIA World Endurance Championship campaign this year, which consists of eight rounds in total; after Le Mans, there are five more rounds to go. The trio now takes a break before heading to the US for round four of the championship at the 6 Hours of Circuit of the Americas on September 20.
Khaled Al Qubaisi and Proton Competition team in Porsche 911 RSR- Le Mans 2014
Official Release by Abu Dhabi Racing – adr.ae
