10/04/2008
NEWS STORY
Luca Filippi joined Qi-Meritus.Mahara team mate Hiroki Yoshimoto in Dubai on Monday in preparation for the fifth and final round of the new GP2 Asia series, this weekend at the Dubai Autodrome.
The drivers had a busy day with the team's sponsor "QuestNet", a subsidiary of QI Ltd, discovering Dubai city. A few days before the race event, it is still in their dream plan for them to be using the Dubai RTA public transport bus line branded with the team's image, a unique idea from their sponsor Qi Ltd. They also met with the Dubai-based media and the drivers racing in Dubai at the Team UP Shootout mini enduro race organized at the Dubai Autodrome Kartdrome with Simon Azzam, Chief Executive of Union Properties.
But most of all the two drivers are eager to get to back to work on the 5.39km Dubai Autodrome to begin their preparations for the final race of the championship.
Luca Filippi commented: "I landed early Monday morning from the Bahrain capital. My first priority was for a physical fitness training session even before I visited the race track again. I now know what to expect coming here and am pushing to drive better and better. I hope the circuit will allow us to finish the season with a strong race. Now we have experience and data from racing here and know about the high standards and demanding corners as well as the temperatures."
Hiroki Yoshimoto commented: "The rain from our first visit is only a memory. Now, under this week's very hot sun, we need to focus on the last race in order to earn as many points as possible for the team. The garage is looking good with our cars almost all set up. I can't wait to get on track for the first practice session on Friday and see if I can add to the nine points that I have already scored this season. We missed the podium in Bahrain. It should not be unrealistic to count with podiums here. It will be a very competitive weekend again and I'm certain that with the right technical support from the team I will be able to do well."
Peter Thompson, president and team founder Qi-Meritus.Mahara: "As a newcomer and the only Asian and Middle-Eastern Team, Qi-Meritus.Mahara has learned a lot this season and scored 13 points so far. I want to thank everyone in the team for their dedication. I know that everyone is ready for the last two races and determined to finish this very short debut GP2 Asia season on a high note."