Summarize

Alibhai’s UK Ginetta campaign ends on a red flag high!

Johannesburg youngster Aqil Alibhai closed off his rookie Michelin British Ginetta Junior season off at Brands Hatch exactly how the rest of the season went — in all action red flag style. Alibhai has been racing in Britain since stepping up from karting at the beginning of the season as he used this year to develop his driving skills in anticipation of a competitive 2022 campaign.

“Wow, that was another most eventful weekend!” Aqil explained. “Our 15 minute qualifying was cut short by two red flags on Saturday morning, the second of which ended the session to end early. “Of course as it happens, I had a great tow and I had put in my fastest sectors when the session was red flagged just as I came round to complete the lap! “Then I had to abort my second flyer because there was another red flag!

“So I qualified 22nd for the first race and 25th for the second. “No where near where we'd hoped to be! “I passed six cars to 16th in two laps before yet another red flag stopped race 1. "I made two more positions to 14th at the restart, and guess what? “The race was red flagged again and those results counted — we did not restart. “Race 2 wasn’t much better — I made up nine places to 16th after two laps and they deployed the safety car. "And the red flag flew again within a lap, so we ended up 15th!

"Race 3 was the highlight — I made several great moves and overtakes and made it up to 9th, but there was of course another safety car. “This one stayed out four laps until the end of the race. “It’s a pity, because I was really prepared for this weekend. “But with all the red flags and safety car laps ,we never really got the chance to show the pace we knew we had. “That’s racing, I suppose!  

“I am really grateful to have competed for a full season in the UK with Breakell Racing. “I have learned so much here, we were on the podium along the way and I ended up seventh in the rookie title chase. “Now we are far better prepared for next season.” Aqil's UK racing year isn’t quite yet over, however. “We will race the Ginetta Junior Winter Series at Brands Hatch again in three weeks — hopefully we can bring some silverware home. “Bring it on!”

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Aqil Alibhai

What:Ginetta Junior Championship Final Round 9 Report
Where:Brands Hatch, England
When:23-24 October 2021
Community:International

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