Williams newsletter 2009-12-10

His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Thani is the first Qatari to drive a Formula One car

Losail International Circuit, Qatar, Thursday December 10, 2009. His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar, owner of the Al-Anabi Group of Drag Racing Teams in the US and the Middle East, became the first Qatari to drive a Formula One car when he took to the 5.3km Losail International Circuit in a Williams FW31 today.

His Highness completed a comprehensive preparation process including travelling to the AT&T Williams team base in Oxford, UK, earlier this week for a seat fit and a detailed instruction process in the team's advanced simulator. Combined with his tireless preparation and training with his Al Anabi Drag Racing team, His Highness Sheikh Khalid was fully prepared to use his competition driving experience to become the first Qatari ever to drive a Formula One car.

Having completed 5 laps of the circuit, His Highness commented, "The Williams FW31 is a remarkable vehicle, unlike any other race car I've ever driven. Being the first Qatarian to drive a Formula One car was an amazing experience I will not forget. I am proud that I was able to experience this honour at home in the State of Qatar."

His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Thani recently took first place at a 2009-10 Arabian Drag Racing League event at the Qatar Race Club, making the second-quickest Pro Extreme pass in the world. His Highness is a patron of motorsport in Qatar and internationally. He also heads the development of the Qatar Motor City project, a planned international destination which aims to further His Highness' vision of the State of Qatar as a centre for international motorsports by combining a world-class oval track, road racing course and drag racing track into a motorsports dedicated city. His Highness has been in lengthy discussions with NASCAR in the US about involvement in Qatar Motor City. Combined with his leadership in international drag racing through Al Anabi Racing and his continuing relationship with the Williams Team and others involved in Formula One racing, under his direction Qatar Motor City aims to be one of the world's leading motorsports hubs for all forms of racing.

-credit: williams