Al Zubair, Grenier begin International GT Open programme in Portugal
Oman’s Al Faisal al Zubair and new Canadian teammate Mikael Grenier will compete in this weekend’s opening round of the 2024 International GT Open at the Autodromo Internacional Algarve, in Portimão, Portugal.
After Portugal, the eightround 2024 International GP Open calendar continues in Germany and Belgium next month, Hungary in June, the Paul Ricard circuit in France in July, a pair of races in Austria and Spain in September and the finale at Monza in Italy on October 20th.
However, the Al Manar Racing by Getspeed Mercedes AMG GT3 duo will only compete in Spa and Barcelona after this weekend.
Al Zubair said: “I am really looking forward to the start of the International GT Open season. I will be participating in three rounds, all with Mick Grenier. Not only is he a very strong driver but he is someone I get along with very well. He will be with me in GT World Challenge Endurance and for these three rounds.
“We are with Getspeed and Al Manar Racing and we feel our package is extremely strong. We don’t see a reason why we shouldn’t be fighting for the win.”
Al Zubair teamed up with
Fabian Schiller to win the Portuguese race outright last year in their Al Manar Racing by Getspeed Mercedes AMG GT3. It marked the Omani’s seventh GT Open race success after he finished third overall in the championship in his first full season in 2021.
The Optimum Motorsport duo of Samuel de Haan and Charlie Fagg were their closest challengers in second place in a Mclaren 720S GT3. Team Motopark’s Diego Menchaca and Marcos Siebert finished third.
Al Zubair and Grenier will crew the Mercedes in both the International GT Open and the Fanatec GT World Challenge powered by AWS Endurance Cup this season.
Grenier finished second in the International GT Open back in 2019 after winning four races with the Emil Frey Racing Lamborghini.