Today's Edition
ASILA AL BADI (ABU DHABI)
For Emirati racing driver Rashid Al Dhaheri, his landmark victory in Race 2 of the opening round of the FIA Formula Regional European Championship, is not merely a personal achievement, but a moment of national pride and inspiration for Emirati youth.
"It's not just a personal achievement, it's something for my country, and I hope it inspires the Emirati youth… to follow their dreams and keep working hard," Al Dhaheri said.
The Emirati racing driver secured a sensational Race 2 victory at Austria's Red Bull Ring, a key stop on the global motorsport calendar, during the championship's opening round held from April 24 to 26 in Spielberg.
Competing against a 30-driver grid representing more than 20 nationalities, Al Dhaheri entered the weekend strongly, finishing second in Race 1 after starting from P2. However, it was Race 2 that defined his breakthrough, as he climbed from P11 under the reverse-grid format to claim a historic win.
The race was shaped by strategy, with drivers managing the newly introduced "Push-to-Pass" system, which provides approximately 20 horsepower for a limited total of 100 seconds per race, enabling tactical overtaking opportunities. Al Dhaheri used the system tactically in the closing stages, executing a controlled charge through the field before crossing the line in P1.
Reflecting on his mindset going into Race 2, Al Dhaheri said his belief never wavered.
"For me, the belief never really changes. I line up on the grid always aiming to win. That's why I race," he said.
"Giving up has never been an option for me. I made the decision a long time ago that I wanted to become a professional race driver, and since then everything in my life has been built around that goal."
Despite starting 11th, he approached the race with patience and discipline.
"Starting from P11 was definitely a challenge, but I saw it as an opportunity. We knew we had strong pace in the car," he said.
"My mindset was very focused: stay calm, stay disciplined, and don't rush things… I just kept my eyes on the goal, worked through the field step by step, and trusted that if we executed everything right, the result would come."
A key element of the race was managing the Push-to-Pass system, which added a strategic dimension to overtaking.
"Since you only have 100 seconds available, every activation has to count," he said.
"I focused on saving it for key moments… timing is everything. I think we managed it very well in the race, using the extra power exactly when it mattered most."
As the race entered its final laps, Al Dhaheri said maintaining focus was critical.
"In the final laps, everything becomes very intense, but at the same time, I tried to stay completely calm and controlled," he said.
"At that point, it's all about precision… I was fully concentrated… I knew the win was there if I stayed composed."
The victory marked a significant milestone not only in his career but for the UAE's presence in international motorsport.
Al Dhaheri said the victory meant a great deal to him, noting that while every win is special, this one stands out as his first in the FIA Formula Regional European Championship and is made even more significant by coming in the opening round of the season.
"To be the first Emirati to win at this level is something I'm extremely proud of," he said.
"Representing the UAE on an international stage and putting the flag at the top of the podium is a huge honour for me."
He added that hearing the UAE national anthem at the Red Bull Ring was an unforgettable moment.
Looking ahead, Al Dhaheri said the result boosts his motivation, as he prepares for the next round in Zandvoort.
"This result gives me a huge boost in confidence and motivation, but at the same time, it doesn't change my mindset," he said.
"In motorsport, you can't afford to relax… the goal is clear: keep pushing, keep improving, and fight at the front again. This win is just the beginning."
