Shihab impresses on French Formula 4 debut

Muscat: Young Omani talent Shihab Al Habsi made an impressive debut in the French Formula 4 Championship finishing among the top ten at Nogaro International Race Circuit in France on Sunday.
According to information received here from his father Ahmed Al Habsi, Shihab showed good pace and successfully completed the 13-lap race to finish in the ninth place.
Shihab’s best lap time was 1:32.778.
For a debutant to finish ninth among 19 competitors is a commendable achievement, especially considering the Omani star was in the 16th place after the qualifying session in a time of 1:49.786.
Monaco’s Arthur Leclerc, also a debutant, won the top honours while Theo Pourchaire of France took the second place ahead of compatriot Caio Collet.
After five years of achievements in various international karting championships, Shihab Al Habsi is taking part in the Formula 4 for the first time.
According to his father Ahmed, Shihab got the opportunity to compete in the French Formla 4 Championship after passing the ‘test’ at FFSA Academy.