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Motor racing ace Hamad Al Fardan is all geared up for a challenge across the Gulf in this weekend's upcoming UAE round of the GP2 Asia Series.
Hamad travelled with his father and manager Ahmed from Bahrain to join Gulf Finance House Team iSport.
The race meeting will take place over Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Dubai Autodrome.
Hamad, 21, who has made history as the first-ever Arab driver in GP2, will be looking to continue his fine form from the first round of the championship in October in Shanghai, where he was consistently among the top 10 drivers on lap times.
Hamad finished 15th in the first race, and then was forced to retire from the second due to car problems.
The GFH Team iSport ace nonetheless had caught the attention of his championship rivals, most of who are veterans of GP2 and have experience in F1 testing.
Hamad has remained undaunted by the quality opposition he is facing, and he is confident of achieving better classification in Dubai having gained plenty of experience in the opening round.
"I think I am well prepared for this next round," said Hamad, who will be racing for the first time at the Autodrome. "My car is ready, the team is ready to get to work, and all the technicalities we need to take care of are going well.
"I learned a lot from the opening round in China, and I will be using that experience to my advantage this time. I know it will be a challenge beating the field of drivers I am going against, but I will do my best as I am determined to get the best results I can and honour the name of Bahrain in particular, as well as show the world what we Arab motor racing drivers are capable of."
Hamad told GulfWeekly that he has been putting in extra training in the gym with a new fitness coach to help improve his stamina levels for the upcoming challenges.
Excitement is already growing over Hamad's next race at the Bahrain International Circuit in the New Year.
Massive publicity banners are already in place at Sakhir.
The young star said: "I want all my fans and all racing car enthusiasts to get ready for January 23 as the race in Bahrain is going to be an amazing one. I hope everyone will be there to cheer me on!"
Hamad will be racing for GFH Team iSport alongside Dutch teammate Giedo van der Garde, who last month tested for Renault F1.
Currently leading the GP2 Asia championship standings is Roldan Rodriguez of Piquet GP with 13 points.
