Rashid Al Dhaheri aims to end impressive F4 rookie season on high in Abu Dhabi

Rashid Al Dhaheri will be in prime form for the F4 race leading up to the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the final race of the season, at Yas Marina Circuit on November 26.

The Emirati teenager arrives for the non-point scoring Trophy Round of the F4 UAE race, which takes place during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix race weekend, having spent 10 months of his first season in single-seater racing with Prima Racing team in Italy.

Al Dhaheri, 15, is currently placed 10th overall in the Italian Championship with a final race left in Barcelona in the Euro F4 next weekend.

The youngest rookie driver on the gird, he has clinched five Rookie podiums and stands sixth in the Rookie points table. He is also ninth in the Euro F4 and third overall in the Rookie standings.

“All season we have witnessed Rashid grow in experience and stature. He has shown good pace, and ongoing improvements,” Prima Racing boss Rene Rosin said.

“The first year of F4 is a tough one for rookies where they are up against rivals with set goals to reach the top.

“Rashid shows he has the pace to stay with the front runners, has intelligent race craft and just needs to carry on gaining experience. We see how he becomes a stronger driver with every race. Also, he is a team player when called upon.”

Al Dhaheri acknowledges that racing on Grand Prix arenas such as Spa-Francorchamps, Monza, Imola and Paul Ricard is a daunting task for a driver.

“Sometimes I have to pinch myself – as I had to during [a race on] one of these great tracks,” he said.

“Knowing the history of these places can be intimidating, but it can also be inspiring, which is the energy I tap into.

“Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Michael Schumacher and all the F1 greats raced at these tracks,