Wednesday 05 / February / 2025
Muscat: Oman’s Shihab Al Habsi beat 16 other contestants to secure top spot on the podium in the first round of the Formula 4 European Championship in Navarra, Spain.
Al Habsi, who has been driving since he was nine years old, started the first round of the tournament with free trials which gave him a chance to get used to the circuit where he was competing for the first time.
Despite the experience of the other drivers, Al Habsi proved himself strongly by recording good numbers and went on to the formal qualifying stages.
Shihab Al Habsi began the race from fourth on the grid and, despite the fame and experience of the other drivers, took the crown in a record time of 1:41:235
Al Habsi said, “I managed to win in my first participation in this tournament against very tough competition. Wining the first round of this championship has given me a great boost to continue and I am looking forward to the second round which will be held at the end of this month in France.”
Shihab Al Habsi one day wants to race at the highest level possible. He says that staying focused on the racetrack is the most important quality for any racer to have, and the same applies for anyone who is involved in serious activities.
Shihab first fell in love with cars at the age of just four, and his father, Ahmed Al Habsi, realised that he needed to nurture his son’s passion for them.
Little did he know, however, that Shihab would one day represent his country at races across the Middle East and the rest of
the world.
“I want to thank His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and the Ministry of Sports for supporting the athletes and the young people towards growing up,” added Ahmed.
“They support us towards training and racing, and this is because His Majesty the Sultan believes Omani people can do it. We have to trust him and give him our trust,”said Ahmed.
