Khalid becomes first Qatari to drive F1 car

Doha: Shaikh Khalid Bin Hamad Al Thani, owner of the Al Anabi Group of Drag Racing Teams in the US and the Middle East, became the first Qatari to drive a Formula One car when he took to the 5.3km Losail International Circuit in a Williams FW31 Thursday.

Shaikh Khalid completed a comprehensive preparation process including travelling to the AT&T Williams team base in Oxford, the UK, earlier this week for a seat fit and a detailed instruction process in the team's advanced simulator.

Combined with his tireless preparation and training with his Al Anabi Drag Racing team, Shaikh Khalid was fully prepared to use his competition driving experience to become the first Qatari ever to drive a Formula One car.

Having completed five laps of the circuit, he said: "The Williams FW31 is a remarkable vehicle, unlike any other race car I've ever driven. Being the first Qatarian to drive a Formula One car was an amazing experience I will not forget. I am proud that I was able to experience this honour at home in the State of Qatar."