Interviews

INTERVIEW: FEMALE RACER AMNA AL QUBAISI

11 January 2019

As well as Saturday’s Ad Diriyah E-Prix, this weekend also sees the first of three in-season Formula E tests. On Sunday, Envision Virgin Racing have invited Amna Al Qubaisi, the first Emirati female racing driver, to test for the team.  We caught up with the 18-year-old UAE-born Kaspersky Lab-backed driver to see how she’s been preparing to drive the Audi Sport FE05….

How did you get involved in racing?
My father was a big influence to me when he started racing. Ever since then hearing him speak about racing and driving on different tracks around the world has fascinated me! My interest is in anything and everything to do with racing!

How do you feel about driving the Envision Virgin Racing car?
I’m very excited! A million thanks to them and Kaspersky Lab for giving me this great opportunity!

Why is Formula E exciting to you?
Formula E is now the future! The championship also gets fans involved through FanBoost where they can vote for their favourite drivers. The top five drivers with the most votes get the additional power of FanBoost. Also, it’s an interesting series because it’s fully electric and all the cars are similar which makes the racing close and the driver’s role more important.

You’re the first female Emirati racing driver, what does that mean to you?
I feel very proud to not just represent the UAE but also Arab women in general. This couldn’t have been possible without the support of Kaspersky Lab, who has been supporting me since I moved to the single-seater categories.

What would you say to other young females who want to become racing drivers?
I would say to keep your head up, do what you have to do, and don’t let anyone tell you that you are not capable. If they do, always take that as motivation to prove them wrong.

Interviews

Q&A: FEMALE RACER AMNA AL QUBAISI

16 December 2018

As well as Saturday’s Ad Diriyah E-Prix, this weekend also sees the first of three in-season Formula E tests. On Sunday, Envision Virgin Racing have invited Amna Al Qubaisi, the first Emirati female racing driver, to test for the team.  We caught up with the 18-year-old UAE-born Kaspersky Lab-backed driver to see how she’s been preparing to drive the Audi Sport FE05….

How did you get involved in racing?
My father was a big influence to me when he started racing. Ever since then hearing him speak about racing and driving on different tracks around the world has fascinated me! My interest is in anything and everything to do with racing!

How do you feel about driving the Envision Virgin Racing car?
I’m very excited! A million thanks to them and Kaspersky Lab for giving me this great opportunity!

Why is Formula E exciting to you?
Formula E is now the future! The championship also gets fans involved through FanBoost where they can vote for their favourite drivers. The top five drivers with the most votes get the additional power of FanBoost. Also, it’s an interesting series because it’s fully electric and all the cars are similar which makes the racing close and the driver’s role more important.

You’re the first female Emirati racing driver, what does that mean to you?
I feel very proud to not just represent the UAE but also Arab women in general. This couldn’t have been possible without the support of Kaspersky Lab, who has been supporting me since I moved to the single-seater categories.

What would you say to other young females who want to become racing drivers?
I would say to keep your head up, do what you have to do, and don’t let anyone tell you that you are not capable. If they do, always take that as motivation to prove them wrong.