Dubai Autodrome to welcome 48 teams as Road to Le Mans 24 Hours race begins

The road to qualify for this year’s legendary Le Mans endurance race begins this weekend at the Dubai Autodrome with more than 48 cars and ex-Formula One drivers set to feature in the opening races of the Asian Le Mans Series on the 11th and 12th of February.

Organised by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), which oversees the famous Le Mans 24 Hours race, the four-round Asian Le Mans Series will provide an opportunity for teams to earn a berth in this year’s flagship endurance Le Mans race in June.

Among the leading drivers that will be hitting the track at the Dubai Autodrome for Round One and Two on Saturday and Sunday include ex-Formula One driver Paul Di Resta of Great Britain.

Following his stint in the top-tier motorsport competition that saw him drive for Force India and Williams, the 36-year-old has been enjoying great success after switching to endurance racing and will line up in Dubai again for United Autosports in the LMP2 class.

The grid will also include former Formula One test and reserve driver Raffaele Marciello. The Swiss-born Italian is a product of the Ferrari Driver Academy and will be aiming to build on his Spa 24 Hours victory – his maiden major triumph in endurance racing for GetSpeed Performance.

Austria’s Klaus Bachler, who had competed alongside UAE’s Khaled Al Qubaisi in three Le Mans races between 2014-17, will also feature for Herberth Motorsport while Nicky Catsburg, who finished second in the GTE Pro category at the 2021 Le Mans, will also be behind the wheel for Walkenhorst Motorsport.

The event has also attracted Oman’s Al Faisal Al Zubair, who will be driving for Al Manar Racing by HRT and as the only Arab driver on the track, he will be aiming to make the region proud.

Al Manar Racing comes in the series on the back of a strong performance at the Hankook Dubai 24 Hours where they secured pole position before being forced to retire due to technical issues.

It is the third time that Dubai Autodrome will be hosting two four-hour races of the series which will continue in Abu Dhabi the following weekend. The event provides a platform for teams and drivers in the Asian region to test themselves against the best international drivers and compete in a high-level competition and gain crucial experience so they can progress in their career.