Preparations kicked off for the weekend’s 5th edition of the Gulf 12 Hours endurance race, hosted by Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi with 22 teams from around the globe taking part. Led by Khaled Al Qubaisi, team Abu Dhabi Racing Black Falcon, is aiming for a second victory at this event after winning in 2013 aboard the Mercedes SLS AMG GT3.

The team’s line-up this year consists of UAE champion Khaled Al Qubaisi alongside Jeroen Bleekemolen (Netherlands) and Maro Engel (Germany) who is competing for the first time with Abu Dhabi Racing Black Falcon at the upcoming Gulf 12 Hours. Engel, having previously participated in Formula BMW, Italian Formula 3000, DTM and GT Racing and recently won the FIA GT World Cup Championship.

“I will be able to adapt (to the car) during the practice sessions,” Al Qubaisi said about getting back behind the wheel of the SLS AMG again after a 12 month break. “I am familiar with the vehicle given my previous experience, so it’s just a matter of few laps to get the feeling again.”

On being able to secure his 2nd victory at the Gulf 12 Hours, Al Qubaisi said, “It will never be easy; Team AF Corse and its three Ferraris are in a strong position, especially after winning three out of four previous races. We are better prepared than last year where we came 2nd. We feel we have a good chance of winning this year.”.

The Gulf 12 Hours endurance race is divided into two  – six hour races. Race one kicks off on Friday the 11th of December at 9:30am and finishes at 3:30pm. Race two resumes at 5:45pm and ends at 11:45pm. Team Black Falcon finished last year’s edition in 2nd place, only 3 seconds behind 1st place.