Rashid Al Dhaheri, the six-year-old Abu Dhabi schoolboy who has caught the imagination of the racing world both here in the UAE and Europe, will participate in the Parolin Grand Finals at the Pista Azzurra di Jesolo near Venice over the weekend.

During a break in karting in the UAE over the summer, Rashid began racing at various circuits in Italy, winning several races.

It has been a comprehensive programme for Rashid in Italy, which began in April and has since included seven races in EasyKart championship and Parolin 60cc Academy Champion Kart. 

He also underwent intensive training by ACI CSAI Federal School – an academy run by the Italian motorsport commission. 

Affectionately known as ‘Little Alonso’ after he revealed that Formula One star Fernando Alonso was his hero, Rashid is said to have even impressed ex-Formula 1 driver, Ferrari GT works driver and team principal Gianmaria ‘Gimmi’ Bruni who said: “I had the opportunity to watch him testing and I see a great potential that can be improved step-by-step.”

Rashid’s father Ali Al Dhaheri said: “Rashid will again be one of the youngest drivers in action this weekend at Jesolo. But this has not been a deterrent for him in the past and he should be able to compete near the front.

“Our boy has represented the UAE with pride and won many friends during our Italian ‘adventure’ this year. In the end, he is still a kid and enjoyment should be his first priority.” 

Al Dhaheri will be in action from October 24-26 at Jesolo and is likely to face his toughest challenge yet of the season.