March 25, 2025, MUSCAT: After winning the opening race of the 2025 Middle East Trophy at the Dubai 24 Hour in January, Omani driver Al-Faisal Al-Zubair from Al-Manar Racing is ready for a new challenge in one of Europe’s top GT racing series.
The announcement of Al-Manar Racing's participation in the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe was made at a ceremony on Sunday, hosted by Kamil bin Fahd bin Mahmood Al-Said, the Secretary-General of the General Secretariat of the Omani Council of Ministers.
The 2025 season marks a fresh chapter for Al-Zubair and the Al-Manar Racing team as they join forces with the renowned WRT team. The partnership began with a win at the Dubai Autodrome, and they will now compete in both endurance and sprint races in the Fanatec GT World Challenge. This will be Al-Zubair’s debut in sprint races, as he only participated in endurance races last year.
During the ceremony, attended by partners, sponsors, dignitaries, media, family, and friends, Al-Zubair shared: “I’m proud to announce my 2025 racing program, which started off perfectly with a new team and a new car, including our victory at the Dubai 24 Hour.”
“I’m honored to represent the Sultanate of Oman and the Arab world, and my goal is to build on last year’s success. Last year I finished second, but with Al-Manar Racing now partnering with the best GT team, WRT, our goal is to win first place. The victory in Dubai was the perfect start and gave us great momentum for the season."
“After three years driving a Mercedes, I’ll switch to a BMW GT3 Evo in 2025, competing in all rounds of the Fanatec GT World Challenge, including both endurance and sprint races for the championship titles.”
Al-Zubair continued, “My teammates, German racer Jens Klingmann and British driver Ben Tuck, will alternate with me, and our aim is to win the Gold Cup title. I’m excited to begin the season at the Paul Ricard Circuit in France next month.”
The Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe is renowned for its highly competitive field and challenging race tracks, offering a rigorous test of endurance, speed, and precision. The rounds will take place in France, Britain, Belgium, Italy, and other locations.