In a stunning shift that has the motorsport world buzzing, Al Manar Racing has officially traded in its BMWs for the illustrious red of Ferrari after just one season. This dramatic transformation will see the team make its debut with the Prancing Horse at the highly anticipated Gulf 12 Hours this weekend, marking a significant new chapter in their racing saga.
At the helm of this ambitious endeavor is Omani driver Al Faisal Al Zubair, who has garnered attention for his impressive performances. Under the previous partnership with BMW and Team WRT, Al Manar Racing made notable strides in prestigious competitions such as the GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS, the Intercontinental GT Challenge, and the Michelin 24H Series. Despite the brief alliance, the team achieved remarkable milestones, including a triumphant overall victory at the Michelin 24H Dubai in January and a commendable podium finish at the Indianapolis 8 Hour.
Now, with eyes firmly set on the future, Al Manar Racing is poised to showcase its new Ferrari machinery in the Gulf 12 Hours, where Al Zubair will share driving responsibilities with seasoned racers Ben Tuck and Chris Froggatt. Tuck, who has been a consistent partner of Al Zubair in the GTWC Europe Endurance Cup, brings a wealth of experience, while Froggatt, known for his extensive history with Ferrari machinery, adds a layer of expertise that could prove invaluable in this grueling endurance race.
The excitement doesn’t stop there; Dragon Racing, the UAE-based team responsible for operating Al Manar’s entry, will field two cars in this year’s 12-hour race at the Yas Marina Circuit. The second entry will see brothers Giacomo and Giovanni Altoe taking to the track, further intensifying the stakes and the thrill for fans and competitors alike.
As Al Manar Racing embarks on this new journey with Ferrari, the motorsport community waits with bated breath to see if this bold move will yield the same level of success, if not greater, than their previous season. The Gulf 12 Hours promises to be a showcase of talent, strategy, and the relentless pursuit of victory as the team aims to carve out its legacy with the legendary Italian manufacturer.
