Emirati racing driver Amna Al Qubaisi will become the first Arab female driver to test a Formula E car next month in Saudi Arabia.
The 18 year old will get behind the wheel for the Envision Virgin Racing team at the session, which takes place on December 16, the day after the opening round of the 2018-19 season, the Ad Diriyah ePrix, in Riyadh.
Formula E, which has existed since 2014, is a series where only electric-powered cars compete. It has quickly developed into a popular worldwide competition, with the calendar for 2018-19 including races in Hong Kong, New York, Paris and Rome.
Al Qubaisi competed in Formula 4 this season having previously impressed in karting, most notably becoming the first Emirati female in 2017 to win the Senior class Rotax Max Challenge.
She said of the prospect of driving the all-electric Audi Sport FE05: “I’m thrilled for my first Formula E experience.
Very Happy to announce that I’ll be Testing Formula E with @VirginRacing_FE As the first female Arab! 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽 pic.twitter.com/jO11ymCSD2
— Amna Al Qubaisi 🦅 (@Amna_Alqubaisii) November 20, 2018
"It has always been something that I wanted to do, driving the fully-electric Formula E car, the feel of instant and impressive power from the get-go.”
Al Qubaisi, who is the daughter of Khaled Al Qubaisi, the first Emirati to compete at the Le Mans 24 Hours, is one of seven female racers who will be involved in the test, with Carmen Jorda and Simona de Silvestro, who have both been involved with Formula One teams in the past, among the others also taking part.
Al Qubaisi added: “I’m also very proud to be representing women in general and Arabian Women in particular. This test drive is another stepping stone towards my dream of a professional career in motorsports."
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