JEDDAH: British teenager Oliver Bearman realized a dream on Friday when he made his competitive Formula One debut for Ferrari and qualified an impressive 11th for Saturday’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Bearman, 18, the team’s reserve driver, was given a dramatic call-up on Friday morning to replace Carlos Sainz, who was diagnosed with appendicitis.
The Spaniard had driven in severe pain in both practice sessions on Thursday and underwent surgery on Friday, hoping to recover in time for the Australian Grand Prix later this month.
“When I woke up, I was mentally preparing for my Formula Two race, and starting from P10,” said Bearman, who is now the youngest driver in Ferrari’s F1 history.
“Instead, I was chucked into the deep end for FP3 and qualifying in F1.
“It was not the ideal situation and I do feel really sorry for Carlos and I wish him the best, but it is a fantastic opportunity and I’m a bit disappointed with everything... But it was a fun day out there.”
With his father David pacing the back of the Ferrari garage and appearing to be struggling with nerves, his son drove with aplomb.
“The big differences for me from F2 to F1 are the evolution of the track, which is a big thing, and the grip. The grip is incredible. After my first lap, I was quite shocked.
“In F2, you drive at the limit of the car, but in F1 you drive at the limit of the driver — it’s what the driver is prepared to do and that’s a great feeling, but it takes some time to get used to. But super-fun.”
Asked how proud he felt of his achievements, he said: “At the moment, not so proud as the racer in me knows that the car was quick enough to be in Q3 so I am a bit disappointed with that.
“But I think when I look back in a couple of days I’m going to be quite proud of what I managed to do today.
“The goal was to do as many laps as possible because I was missing a few especially at night because I missed FP2 which is not ideal.”
Watching a video of the session nearby, he stopped talking.
“Wow, I was close to the wall there!” he said. “I didn’t notice that. I’ll take more care tomorrow.”
His father David said: “I’m very proud indeed. He did an awesome job. Yes, it was a little stressful for me as you can imagine.”
He added that there were no expectations of his son ahead of Saturday’s race under lights at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. “No, none at all. Just go and enjoy it.”
Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, who is set to move to Ferrari and replace Sainz next year, qualified 0.036 seconds ahead of Bearman in 10th place, praised Bearman.
He said: “I didn’t see his qualifying, but I think he did an amazing job in practice. To jump into a car in FP3 and deliver the way he has is really, really impressive.
“I’m really happy for him to have the opportunity. It also highlights the car is pretty good — one of the drivers is number two (on the grid). But a great, great effort for today and I’m sure tomorrow he’ll have a great time.”
Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc said: “I’m really impressed by Ollie. I watched him in Formula Two and I remember watching his laps in Mexico last year in Haas.
“I thought he was driving really well. He definitely exceeded my expectations because being thrown in, in FP3, is a challenge at the best of times, let alone on a circuit like this. So well done to him.”
British teen Bearman realizes a dream with surprise Ferrari debut
https://arab.news/rgxc7
British teen Bearman realizes a dream with surprise Ferrari debut
- Bearman, 18, the team’s reserve driver, was given a dramatic call-up on Friday morning to replace Carlos Sainz, who was diagnosed with appendicitis
- “When I woke up, I was mentally preparing for my Formula Two race, and starting from P10,” said Bearman
Red Bull Car Park Drift returns to Riyadh with Red Bull Mobile
- The championship returns with Red Bull Mobile as the event’s connectivity partner
- A panel of expert motorsport judges will evaluate each competitor, awarding points based on specific technical criteria
RIYADH: Riyadh will host the national competition of Red Bull Car Park Drift on Nov. 16, 2024, at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Olympic Complex (Green Halls).
The championship, which first held its world finals in Jeddah in December 2022, returns with Red Bull Mobile as the event’s connectivity partner, providing unique services to enhance the fan experience.
In partnership with the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation and Nissan, 22 skilled drivers will compete to claim the title of Saudi champion and secure a spot in the Red Bull Car Park Drift World Finals in Oman on Dec. 6.
Fans can enjoy the event and all the shows for free, with doors opening at 2 p.m. on Nov. 16, according to a media statement issued on Wednesday.
Red Bull Car Park Drift uniquely blends car speed, engine power, driving precision, and drifting artistry, set against a backdrop of special effects and dynamic show elements.
A panel of expert motorsport judges will evaluate each competitor, awarding points based on specific technical criteria.
Lebanese drift icon and rally star Abdo Feghali will return to elevate the competition with new twists on the track layout, ensuring an even higher level of challenge.
Alongside the thrilling main event, fans will get a behind-the-scenes track tour with Feghali, while they cheer on top drivers in Saudi Arabia.
Red Bull Car Park Drift is a competitive drifting event where both amateur and professional drivers tackle a track full of obstacles and challenges. Competitors aim to score high in each round to move forward in an elimination-style format.
Judges evaluate performances based on skills like drifting ability, car smoke, and overall appearance, awarding up to 400 points.
Red Bull Car Park Drift also gives amateur drivers the chance to compete internationally, showcasing their skills in front of thousands of motorsport fans.
Countdown begins: 60 days until Dakar Rally returns to Saudi Arabia
- This year, the rally will be run on an entirely new route, beginning in Bisha
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia is preparing to host the Dakar Rally for a sixth consecutive year, with just 60 days remaining until the off.
Known as one of the world’s most prestigious and grueling off-road races, the rally will run from Jan. 3-17 next year, bringing new challenges and routes for pilots to navigate across the Kingdom.
This year, the rally will be run on an entirely new route, beginning in Bisha, a southern Saudi city that serves as a gateway between the Asir, central and western regions.
From Bisha, pilots will travel north across Saudi Arabia before venturing into the Empty Quarter — the world’s largest contiguous sand desert — with the finish line in Shubaytah.
The 2024 Dakar Rally, held from AlUla to Yanbu, captivated a global audience as Spanish driver Carlos Sainz, representing Audi, clinched his fourth career win in the car category and his second on Saudi soil.
In other categories, American rider Ricky Brabec triumphed in the bike class, Argentine racer Manuel Andujar took the quad title, and Spanish driver Cristina Gutierrez emerged victorious in the Challenger desert vehicle category.
Frenchman Xavier de Soultrait won in the side-by-side production class, while Czech driver Martin Macík made history with his first win in the truck category after 12 attempts.
The 2025 route will explore previously unvisited regions to highlight what Saudi Arabia has to offer tourists, according to a statement on Monday from the organizers.
Max Verstappen strikes title blow with chaotic Brazilian GP win, Lando Norris sixth
- The Dutchman’s triumph lifted him to 393 points, increasing his advantage over Norris, on 331, to 62
- Alpine’s French duo of Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly also on the podium
SAO PAULO: Three-time world champion Max Verstappen produced a virtuoso drive in often atrocious conditions to regain control of this year’s world championship on Sunday when he charged from 17th on the grid to win the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Without a win in 10 races since the Spanish Grand Prix in May, Red Bull’s series leader made light of the chaotic, rain-swept conditions to register a 62nd career triumph and fastest lap while nearest title rival Lando Norris of McLaren went from pole position to sixth.
The Dutchman’s triumph lifted him to 393 points, increasing his advantage over Norris, on 331, to 62 with just three Grands Prix and one sprint race remaining.
Verstappen finished 19.477 seconds ahead of Alpine’s French duo of Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly with Mercedes’ George Russell fourth and Charles Leclerc fifth for Ferrari in a tumultuous contest of accidents, two red-flag stoppages, penalties and planned post-race investigations.
For Alpine, the reward was a leap from ninth to sixth in the constructors championship, reportedly valued at an estimated $50 million.
Norris, who struggled to find his usual pace, came home sixth ahead of McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri, RB’s Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton in the second Mercedes.
Verstappen’s success came on the day he overhauled Michael Schumacher’s record of leading the drivers standings for 896 days while many of his rivals faced post-race investigations for various sporting misdemeanours.
“My emotions have been a rollercoaster today — that unlucky qualifying and starting 17th made it such a tough race, but we stayed out of trouble, made the right calls and it is unbelievable to win here from so far back,” said Verstappen.
“What a day,” said a beaming Ocon. “After this difficult season, it’s so nice to drive here and the rain levelled out the performance so I am very happy.”
Gasly added: “Just incredible! For the whole team, after such a tough season, struggling for points, but two cars on the podium. Nobody would have put that on their bingo card.”
After a wet and wild qualifying, Lance Stroll set the tone when he spun off in his Aston Martin on the formation lap, leading to a delayed second start before which Norris led away without a green light and, along with Russell and both RB drivers, faced a post-race investigation.
The big Sunday crowd, part of an Interlagos weekend record of 291,717 waited patiently as Norris finally led a third formation lap before Russell beat him at the start.
Norris tucked into second ahead of Tsunoda on a frantic opening lap that saw Verstappen climb from 17th to 11th, passing Hamilton for 10th on lap two as light rain fell. By lap six, Verstappen was eighth.
By lap 11, Verstappen was sixth and clearly the fastest man on track while a struggling Hamilton bounced off before being passed by Williams driver Franco Colapinto to the delight of the many Argentine fans.
As heavy rain arrived, Leclerc pitted and fell to 11th, Lawson slid off and Nico Hulkenberg pitted before beaching his Haas, prompting a Virtual Safety Car on lap 28.
The German recovered, with aid, to re-join for which he was disqualified.
Another round of pit-stops left Ocon leading ahead of Verstappen, who stayed out to gain a tactical advantage, as Norris passed Russell for fourth behind Gasly as a Safety Car was deployed again before being red-flagged on lap 33 when Colapinto smacked the barriers at Turn 14.
“I guess everyone can just change tires for free now,” said a glum Norris realizing Verstappen had been given a cost-free pit-stop that transformed the race.
A second Safety Car, the seventh of the day, intervened on lap 40 when Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz spun off at Turn Eight and retired.
On resumption, Verstappen seized control when he powered inside Ocon to lead at Turn One while Norris ran off and dropped to seventh.
Ocon stayed second ahead of Gasly and Leclerc, but the Dutchman had the initiative and momentum, turning most pre-race forecasts on their head, making a fourth drivers title look inevitable.
McLaren’s Norris wins sprint race at Brazilian Grand Prix to cut gap on overall leader Verstappen
- Norris started second on the grid and, late into the 24 laps of the sprint race, teammate Oscar Piastri gave way to him
SAO PAULO: McLaren driver Lando Norris won Saturday’s Formula 1 sprint race at the Brazilian Grand Prix to cut his deficit to championship leader Max Verstappen.
Red Bull’s Verstappen is also under investigation for a potential virtual safety car infringement.
The gap between the two drivers, with four grands prix and a final sprint race to the end of the season, is now 45 points.
Norris started second on the grid and, late into the 24 laps of the sprint race, teammate Oscar Piastri gave way to him.
Verstappen finished third and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who also has a long shot at the title, ended fourth.
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. was fifth, with Mercedes’ George Russell, Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and Red Bull’s Sergio Perez next best.
Norris appeared to be upset about leader Piastri’s pace for most of the sprint race. “I am not sure what I am doing here, mate,” he said on the team radio. “I thought we spoke about this.”
Later, Norris said McLaren had done a good job.
“I am not proud about it but we worked well as a team together so I thank Oscar,” Norris said. “Oscar deserved (a win) but we did what we had to do.”
Piastri did not elaborate on the McLaren decision. “A great day for the team and a lot of points. We learned a lot for the race tomorrow,” he said.
Saudi female driver Dania Akeel, Stephane Duple stun rivals to lead Qatar International Baja
- Akeel’s stage win meant a female driver led the Baja for the first time in history
LUSAIL, Qatar: Saudi female driver Dania Akeel and her French navigator Stephane Duple delivered a stunning performance to lead the car category after a dramatic day’s action at the Qatar International Baja on Friday.
The Overdrive Racing Toyota Hilux crew won the opening stage and then ceded time to their main rivals through the second one but did enough to take a lead of 92.9 seconds into the night halt. As a result, they lead all the crews in the FIA Middle East Baja Cup.
Akeel said: “That’s it! This is our first stage win overall. I had a great time. Stephane was amazing. The cap was changing. The stage was fast, twisty, rocky and a really nice sector by the sea. That was really steep for the first time. That was really good training. We are in a perfect position for tomorrow. It’s going to be a really fun ride.”
Denis Krotov and Konstantin Zhiltsov hold second and lead the FIA World Baja Cup crews in their new petrol-engine X-Raid Mini JCW Rally 3.0i, while the Portuguese pairing of Joao Ferreira and Filipe Palmeiro are third overall and lead the SSV section in a Can-Am Maverick XRS Turbo RR.
Krotov’s X-Raid team manager Tobias Quandt said: “It was a nice day for us for testing. Our engine is still in development, but we are on a pretty good level. It’s a nice fight and a nice race. Denis had one puncture on the first stage, but he did a good job, and we are super happy to have him back in the team.”
Ferreira said: “The stages were very fast. It was very difficult navigation. I have never seen anything like this. It is very difficult to see the tracks and the junctions. We finish without any problems and Filipe did an amazing job from the navigation side. We are third and leading SSV. We are very happy.”
Joao Dias came home in fourth place in the second of the Santag Racing Can-Ams in the SSV section, and Saudi Arabia’s Mooaz Hariri moved ahead of Czech driver Miroslav Zapletal to snatch fifth in his Can-Am. Khalid Al-Jafla leads the Challenger section in his eighth-placed Taurus T3 Max.
Kuwait’s Abdullah Al-Shatti (Kawasaki) and Saudi Arabia’s Hani Al-Noumesi topped the motorcycle and quad times after the second stage of the FIM event where several riders missed vital route waypoints with the tricky navigation across the deceptive desert terrain.
FIA entrants tackled a pair of 123.91 km and 122.50 km special stages on the northwestern side of Qatar, while the motorcycle and quad riders competed over just one special of 256.42 km.
Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah started the opening stage 10th on the road behind his brother Khalifa. Krotov was first out with the burden on co-driver Zhiltsov to master the tricky navigation from the front of the field.
Both Mohammed Al-Atteya and FIA Middle East Baja Cup leader Ahmed Al-Kuwari stopped for several costly minutes early in the first stage. Al-Atteya returned to the stage start and later retired, as Abdullah Al-Rabban was also delayed and Ibrahim Al-Muhanna (engine), Camelia Liparoti and Stefano Marrini (three punctures) fell by the wayside.
Krotov stopped to change a puncture near the end of the opening stage north of the Tamim Airbase and to the east of the Khawzan Road and the delay undid all his hard work. He carded a target time of 1 hour 22 minutes and 06.1 seconds, but the stoppage was costly and Akeel beat him by 5 minutes 36.6 seconds.
Akeel, Krotov and Ferreira duly claimed the quickest times to take the leading three places in the Baja. Challenger front-runner Al-Attiyah slotted into fourth ahead of his brother Khalifa. Akeel’s stage win meant a female driver led the Baja for the first time in history.
Stage 2 covered the tracks that the bikers had taken on the first half of their stage in the morning, but the northwesterly wind had intensified. Krotov began to pass the tailenders from the motorcycle race on the run north and he eventually stopped the clocks in 1 hour 9 minutes and 24.7 seconds to win the stage and reduce Akeel’s overnight lead to 1 minute and 32.9 seconds.
The run north along the coast proved costly for the host nation’s hopes of victory. Both Al-Attiyah (loss of engine oil) and his brother Khalifa (broken engine) were sidelined, Ahmad Al-Mohannadi damaged the rear right-hand corner of his Taurus in an accident, but Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari overcame hefty delays with electrical woes and fuel pressure issues to finish over 90 minutes behind his rivals. Khalifa Saleh Al-Attiyah will not restart on Saturday.
