Formula Gulf: Joe Ghanem wins Formula Gulf 1000 double-header at Yas Marina Circuit

Yas Marina Circuit Abu Dhabi, Dec 16th 2011 – Joe Ghanem (Al Buhaira Insurance) stamped his authority on the Formula Gulf 1000 championship today when he won both races in convincing style at the UAE National Race Day. Held over two days on Yas Marina’s Grand Prix Circuit, the best young drivers in the region gained their first experience of driving a Formula car at the world’s best circuit. Mohammed Al Mutawaa (Yas Marina Circuit)  was unable to get past Ghanem finishing both races in second place less than three seconds behind, setting the fastest lap in both races.

Malaysian driver Natasha Seatter also had a great weekend with two podium finishes adding to her already impressive racing CV.  With only 30 minutes practise on this very challenging 4.7kms circuit, the drivers were finding more speed every time they drove the track. Seatter for example qualified in 1:58.627 in third place, then did an even faster lap of 1:58.596 in Race One. She then found a massive 1.736 seconds in Race Two. Despite increasing tyre wear, these improvements are a result of experience of the track and intensive analysis of telemetry data with their driver coach, Andy Pardoe.

Seventeen year old Nicolas Canal from USA made a last minute entry

Seventeen year old Nicolas Canal made a last minute entry to replace multiple race winner Zaamin Jaffer who is seeking sponsorship to continue in Formula Gulf 1000. The young American racer, who had previously raced Formula BMW in Spain made an extremely impressive start with a fourth place finish in Race Two after a DNF in the first race. Haytham Sultan Al Ali, now supported by National Bank of Umm Al Quwain had a solid day as did Indian driver Harsh Rajpal.

Unfortunately, race promoter GulfSport were left with a spare car after the late withdrawal of Pakistani driver Yastoor Mirza so if you fancy your chances as the next Formula Gulf 1000 racer, give Barry Hope a call on +971 50 595 1791.

Rounds 9 and 10 of this very exciting championship take place on 2^nd March on Dubai Autodrome’s National Circuit.