Shihab Al Habsi holds his place in F4 Junior

It continues to be real season of discovery in cars for Shihab Al Habsi in the French F4 Junior Championship. “Every race is a new challenge for me because I’m learning the circuits,” said the hopeful from the Sultanate of Oman. “I have to learn the track very quickly, because my European rivals know the tracks and have had the opportunity to test. So I only have the Free Practice of the meeting! Sometimes there is only one 25-minute session, as will be the case at the last round of the Championship at Le Castellet.”

For the sixth event of 2018, the drivers travelled to the circuit of Jerez de la Frontera. “It is a very nice circuit, which F1 uses frequently for winter tests. The track is one of the longest of the season, so the gaps are greater to the drivers who have more experience.“

Qualified on the eighth row, Shihab managed to improve his times in Race 1, where he gained a place in the chasing pack. Race 2 confirmed his progress. “I was less than 5 tenths off the fastest lap and very close on times with the leading drivers.“

Race 3 started positively which foreshadowed a very good result. Shihab Al Habsi made a great start and gained four places in two laps. In battle with the winner of Race 2, the Omani driver followed the pace of the lead pack but was a victim of a collision.

“At every race, Shihab really demonstrates his fighting spirit and his determination to give his best,” commented his coach Stéphane Daoudi. “Mentally and technically, he has gained a lot of experience. It goes slightly unnoticed, because without having tested in private sessions, Shihab is still learning the circuit during Qualifying, while his competitors are already sharp.“

“What matters is that he continues to progress. He has put a lot of effort into this learning season, and it is not in vain. He is fighting for 3rd place in the French F4 Junior Championship. He now has a very good base and his attacking qualities will make him a very good prospect next year.“

Info Kartcom / © Photo KSP – Guillaume Veuve