Monza beckons: Al Faisal Al Zubair gears up with Al Manar Racing by Team WRT

MUSCAT: The trio of Al Manar Racing by Team WRT - Al Faisal Al Zubair, Jens Klingmann and Ben Tuck - are all geared up to take on the challenge in Italy for this weekend's second round of the 2025 GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup powered by AWS at the legendary Monza circuit.
The trio, Al Zubair from Oman, Klingmann from Germany and Tuck from Britain, finished on the podium at the opening round at France's Paul Ricard in their BMW M4 GT3 EVO and are hoping for another top-class performance in this weekend's three-hour race that features a third mandatory pit stop.
Klingmann was the overall winner of the race last year and he and Al Zubair have already arrived in Italy fresh from their double podium success in the recent Sprint races at Zandvoort in the Netherlands recently.
The Monza race weekend has attracted a massive 59-car field across the various classes with the Al Manar Racing by Team WRT trio lining up against nine rivals in the Gold Cup category.
The opening round was won by the CSA Racing McLaren crew of Arthur Rougier, James Kell and Simon Gachet and they will be aiming to defend their series lead against the likes of the second-placed Verstappen.com Racing Aston Martin, the Garage 59, Optimum Motorsport and Team RJN McLarens, the Tresor Attempto Racing Audi, the Paul Motorsport Lamborghini, Nordique Racing's Mercedes-AMG and Herberth Motorsport's Porsche.
Ahead of the race, talented Omani racer Al Zubair said: 'This will be the second round of the Endurance Championship, which I am really looking forward to. I really enjoy Monza. Unfortunately, we didn't finish the race last year because of a collision. We are hoping to have a much better result this time.
'Luckily, I think the BMW is more suited to Monza than the Mercedes. That should be of benefit to us. We are currently second in the championship, overall Sprint and Endurance. So, hopefully, we can have a strong weekend, score solid points and keep up the fight for the championship.'
The GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup powered by AWS shares the circuit this weekend with the Lamborghini Super Trofeo and McLaren Trophy Europe.
Test sessions will be available on Friday but the first official two-hour practice session is scheduled for Saturday (May 31) from 10.10hrs. Pre-qualifying will then take place from 15.30hrs. An hour of crucial qualifying will get underway on Sunday (June 1) morning from 09.50hrs and the three-hour race fires into life at 15.00hrs.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Times of Oman

5 hours ago

• Times of Oman

What you need to know about driving legally in Oman: A guide for residents and visitors

Oman's Traffic Law ensures road safety by regulating vehicle use, driver behaviour, and licensing procedures. Speaking exclusively to the Times of Oman, a representative of Mohammed Ibrahim Law Firm, a leading law office in Oman, explained that all vehicles must be registered, insured, and comply with technical standards such as functioning brakes, lights, and mirrors. Drivers are required to obey traffic signs and speed limits and must avoid reckless behavior. Pedestrians should use designated crossings, while vehicles must not block roads or park illegally. To obtain a driving license, applicants must be at least 18 years old. They must apply through the General Directorate of Traffic, pass a driving test, and pay the required fees. License types include Light for vehicles under 6 tons, Heavy for vehicles over 6 tons, as well as Motorcycle and Equipment licenses, said Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Zadjali Founding Partner of Mohammed Ibrahim Law Firm. Another spokesperson from the law firm added that 'tourists and foreign residents may use valid international licenses for up to three months. Learner drivers require a permit and must train at approved driving schools. Licenses must be carried at all times while driving and renewed before expiry to avoid fines.' He added that punishments are strict to deter violations. Offenses such as driving without a license, using a phone while driving, or reckless overtaking can result in fines of up to OMR500 or imprisonment. Severe offences, such as driving under the influence (DUI), carry harsher penalties, if the DUI causes death or permanent total disability, penalties including multi-year jail terms and fines of up to OMR3,000. By adhering to these regulations, drivers not only avoid legal consequences but also contribute to safer roads for all. Vehicles may be impounded, and licenses revoked for violations such as expired registration or illegal modifications. Always renew licenses on time, follow police instructions, and ensure vehicles meet safety standards. These rules protect everyone on Oman's roads, the expert said. (Mohammed Ibrahim Law Firm ([email protected]), (+968 244 87 600) was established 18 years ago and is serving clients through its offices in Muscat and Sohar, as well as operating on a request basis in other areas. It offers legal representation across a wide range of practice areas that include Labour Law, Corporate, Commercial, Contracts, Banking and Finance, International Trade, Foreign Investment, Insurance, Maritime Law, Construction and Engineering Contracts, International Arbitration, Intellectual Property and more).

Times of Oman

4 days ago

• Times of Oman

Oman's refinery output declines marginally by end of April

Muscat: The total output of refineries in the Sultanate of Oman saw a slight decline of 0.1 percent by the end of April 2025, while the production of automotive fuel in April 2025 decreased by 4.6 percent compared to the previous month, according to preliminary statistics released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). The statistics revealed that the production of regular gasoline (91) increased by 9.8 percent by the end of April 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, reaching 5,782,100 barrels, up from 5,265,500 barrels by the end of April 2024. Sales also rose by 2.5 percent, totaling 4,558,600 barrels compared to 4,446,900 barrels by the end of April 2024. In contrast, the production of premium gasoline (95) declined by 0.3 percent compared to April 2024, reaching 4,108,700 barrels, down from 4,122,800 barrels during the same period last year. Despite this drop in production, sales increased by 1.7 percent, reaching 4,229,400 barrels compared to 4,158,900 barrels by the end of April 2024. The production of gas oil (diesel) decreased by 0.7 percent, recording 10,326,900 barrels compared to 10,399,200 barrels by the end of April 2024. However, sales rose by 4.9 percent, reaching 4,665,300 barrels compared to 4,446,700 barrels in the same period last year. Jet fuel production declined by 8.1 percent, totaling 3,378,000 barrels compared to 3,674,300 barrels by the end of April 2024. Sales also fell by 8.7 percent, reaching 1,247,500 barrels compared to 1,366,700 barrels. As for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), production reached 2,364,000 barrels, marking a 6.7 percent decline from the same period in 2024, when production stood at 2,534,600 barrels. Conversely, sales surged by 20.2 percent, reaching 1,303,800 barrels compared to 1,084,500 barrels by the end of April 2024. Regarding petrochemicals, the statistics showed an 8.7 percent increase in benzene production, reaching 59,500 metric tons compared to 54,800 metric tons by the end of April 2024. Paraxylene production rose by 10.5 percent, reaching 196,700 metric tons by the end of April 2025. On the other hand, polypropylene production declined by 6.9 percent, recording 112,400 metric tons compared to 120,800 metric tons during the same period last year. Despite this drop in production, sales saw a significant surge of 461.9 percent, reaching 10,800 metric tons compared to 1,900 metric tons in the same period last year. Oman's exports of regular gasoline (91) increased by 4.7 percent by the end of April 2025, reaching 1,041,100 barrels compared to 994,500 barrels by the end of April 2024. Meanwhile, exports of premium gasoline (95) saw a notable rise of 66.3 percent, reaching 690,700 barrels compared to 415,400 barrels in the same period last year. In contrast, gas oil (diesel) exports declined by 23.4 percent, recording 4,560,100 barrels compared to 5,956,500 barrels by the end of April 2024. Jet fuel exports also decreased by 7 percent, reaching 2,046,200 barrels compared to 2,199,500 barrels by the end of April 2024. LPG exports witnessed a sharp decline of 69.8 percent, totaling 53,500 barrels compared to 177,000 barrels by the end of April 2024. Benzene exports by the end of April 2025 reached approximately 58,200 metric tons, marking a 3.6 percent increase compared to 56,100 metric tons by the end of April 2024. Paraxylene exports rose by 29.2 percent, reaching 228,100 metric tons compared to 176,600 metric tons in the same period last year. Meanwhile, polypropylene exports reached 79,200 metric tons, reflecting a 3.8 percent increase compared to 76,300 metric tons by the end of April 2024.

Times of Oman

5 days ago

• Times of Oman

Construction for parts of Sultan Said bin Taimour Road starts

Salalah: The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology announced the commencement of work on the dual-carriageway of Sultan Said bin Taimour Road for parts (3, 4, and 5), spanning approximately 400 kilometres with a total cost exceeding OMR258 million. Eng. Said Mohammed Tabook, Director General of Roads and Land Transport in Dhofar Governorate, told Oman News Agency (ONA) that the executing companies have begun construction work on the three parts, with a project duration of 36 months. He explained that Part 3 extends from Haima to Maqshin over 132.5 kilometres, Part 4 covers about 135 kilometres from Maqshin to Dokha, while Part 5 stretches 132.5 kilometres from Dokha to Thumrait. He added that the project will enhance Oman's road network efficiency and improve connectivity between governorates. The road is designed for year-round accessibility across various weather conditions and will improve traffic safety through concrete/steel barriers, reflectors, road markings, and warning signs. It will also support economic, tourism, commercial, and social development.