Born on April 17, 1998, in Muscat, Oman, Al Faisal Al Zubair has rapidly ascended the ranks of international motorsport, establishing himself as a formidable racing driver. His career commenced in single-seaters, notably achieving a podium finish in the BRDC British Formula 4 Autumn Trophy in 2015. Transitioning to GT racing, Al Zubair clinched back-to-back championships in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East during the 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 seasons, marking him as the first driver to secure consecutive titles in the series’ history. In 2022, he founded Al Manar Racing, becoming the sole Omani and Arab team competing in the GT3 Gold Category. His recent triumph at the Mechlin Dubai 24H with BMW WRT not only underscores his personal dedication but also signifies a monumental step for Arab representation in global motorsport.
In an exclusive interview with BURO, Al Faisal Al Zubair delved into his journey, the inception of Al Manar Racing, and his vision for the future of Arab talent in the racing arena.
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR VICTORY AT THE MECHLIN DUBAI 24H WITH BMW WRT! WHAT DID THIS MILESTONE MEAN TO YOU PERSONALLY AND FOR ARAB MOTORSPORT AS A WHOLE?
Winning the Mechlin Dubai 24H with BMW WRT was an incredible achievement. Personally, it was a testament to the hard work and dedication that goes into endurance racing. The Dubai 24H is one of the most challenging races on the calendar, so standing on the top step of the podium is always a special moment. For Arab motorsport, victories like this help put our region on the global racing map. It proves that Arab drivers and teams can compete at the highest level, and I hope it inspires the next generation to pursue their own racing dreams.
AS THE FOUNDER OF AL MANAR RACING, YOU’RE NOT JUST A COMPETITOR BUT ALSO A LEADER IN SHAPING THE FUTURE OF ARAB TALENT IN GT3 RACING. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE THE TEAM, AND WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE?
Al Manar Racing was created out of a passion for competition and a vision to elevate Arab motorsport internationally. Representing Oman on the global stage is an honor, and I wanted to build a team that could consistently compete at the highest levels while carrying our flag with pride. Beyond just winning races, the goal is to establish a lasting presence for Arab teams in GT racing and create opportunities for young talent in the region. I want aspiring racers to see that a pathway exists and that success in motorsport is achievable with the right dedication and support.
YOU’VE HAD INCREDIBLE SUCCESS IN ENDURANCE RACING, FROM THE PORSCHE GT3 CUP CHALLENGE MIDDLE EAST TO THE 24 HOURS OF SPA AND DUBAI 24 HOURS. WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST LESSONS YOU’VE LEARNED FROM THESE HIGH-STAKES COMPETITIONS?
Endurance racing is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. Unlike sprint races, where it’s all about raw speed, endurance racing requires patience, strategy, and teamwork. Managing pace, preserving the car, and making the right decisions under pressure are crucial. I’ve learned that consistency is key—you don’t win these races in the first stint, but you can lose them with one mistake. Another big lesson is the importance of mental resilience. After hours in the car, fatigue sets in, and staying sharp until the very last lap makes all the difference.
MOTORSPORT IS A DEMANDING FIELD BOTH MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY. HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR ENDURANCE RACES, AND WHAT DOES YOUR TRAINING ROUTINE LOOK LIKE?
My preparation is a mix of physical fitness, mental conditioning, and actual time in the car. I believe there’s no better training than driving itself, and I’m fortunate to be in the car at least once a month, which helps keep me race-ready. I also train on my simulator at home to stay sharp. Outside of driving, I like to stay active by playing padel with friends—it’s great for reflexes and coordination while keeping training enjoyable. My diet is usually flexible, but during race weekends, I’m much more disciplined to ensure I’m in peak condition.
AS THE ONLY OMANI AND ARAB TEAM COMPETING IN THE GT3 GOLD CATEGORY, AL MANAR RACING PROUDLY REPRESENTS THE REGION ON SOME OF THE WORLD’S BIGGEST ENDURANCE RACING STAGES. WITH YOUR INTERNATIONAL PRESENCE AND PROVEN SUCCESS, HOW CAN BRANDS LEVERAGE A PARTNERSHIP WITH YOU AND AL MANAR RACING? WHAT UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES DOES MOTORSPORTS OFFER FOR SPONSORS LOOKING TO CONNECT WITH A GLOBAL, HIGH-ENGAGEMENT AUDIENCE?
Motorsports isn’t just about racing; it’s about passion, a loyal audience, and global reach. Currently, the Gulf region is at the forefront of its growth. With Saudi Vision 2030, F1 races in the region, and the UAE’s booming power sports scene, GT racing is becoming more mainstream than ever. Just last year, the European GT competition, GT World Challenge Europe, was held in Jeddah for the first time. Additionally, we witnessed significant engagement during the Dubai 24H race. GT racing embodies precision, performance, and prestige, attracting high-net-worth decision-makers, motorsport enthusiasts, and luxury consumers. Al Manar Racing stands out in this category, not only as the sole Omani and Arab team in the GT3 Gold Category but also as a beacon of regional pride, excellence, and international ambition. For brands looking to create a meaningful impact aligned with these ideals, the exposure is unmatched. Take the Dubai 24H as an instance: our car captured significant screen time during most of the 24 hours of live coverage and featured on every regional and global sports platform after securing victory. That translates to countless brand impressions on an international stage. Consider the reach, engagement, and brand alignment that accompany being part of this journey.
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