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Bahrain's Formula One hopeful Hamad Al Fardan is in a race to find sponsors and fulfil his dream of being the first Arab F1 driver.
The 23-year-old recently renewed his sponsorship agreement with long-time partners Bapco which will give him the push he needs to move forward with his plans. This contract will allow him to join the Renault Formula One Driver Programme under the Renault F1 Team, which helps develop the world's best young single-seater drivers.
Hamad will then be able to conduct tests in an F1 car on prominent tracks across Europe and Asia, while participating in a leading international championship as he continues to hone his skills.
He said: "This is the sixth year in a row that I've signed up with Bapco and I am happy that they are keeping faith in me. They are one of my main sponsors and have been fully backing me. I promise to bring a title home for them this year, but that is if I get a chance to race."
The deal with Bapco comes after a break of almost a year for Hamad, who has been struggling to find financial backing due to the global economic crisis. However, this search for sponsorship still continues, according to Hamad.
"The door is still open for me but I need more sponsors for the Renault F1 to give it that 100 per cent. Then I will only be one step away from my dream. But, as you know, when we talk about F1 it's not about me anymore, it's about getting the right amount of funding to join the team.
"If I get enough funding, then I have a chance to race in GP2 this year and qualify for Formula One next year under Renault. That is the contract that I currently have.
"When I get the funds I will be ready for it, so I hope that a company out there will take me on.
"I am still training and staying fit for any opportunity that comes my way. The sponsorship from Bapco will allow me to test but not race unless others support me."
Aside from his racing dreams, Hamad has also delved into the world of glamour and fame - hip hop. He recently joined DJ Outlaw and his crew, creating his first mix tape - Race to the Track.
He said: "DJ Outlaw and I are also working on some projects to promote and push my mix-tape into the music scene supported by Bahraini friends May Alqasim and Hussam Aseem aka Flipp.
"I do music in my free time as I have my own studio. I am happy that my music is doing well and I hope to bring a new style of Arabic hip-hop to Bahrain."
DJ Outlaw said: "Hamad is a very talented and ambitious person ... be it in a car or spitting on a mic. He's one of those guys who sets goals and fights to achieve them.
"I can see him going really far."
Those interested in aiding Hamad can visit his site www.hamadalfardan.com
