Hamad Al Fardan (21)- a Bahraini who currently races in the German F3 series would be the first Arab if he gets into F1. In German F3 series, he is the most heavily sponsored driver. He will make his debut at the GP2 Asia series which is only one step away from the Formula One.

Hamad Al Fardan comes from a motorsport family- his father Ahmed Al Fardan is one of the Middle East's most illustrious rally drivers.

When Hamad was 16 years, he completed his first race season in the 2004 Formula BMW Asia Series. In 2006, Hamad ventured into New Zealand to compete in the Toyota Racing Series with Meritus. He was the first foreign driver ever to win the New Zealand Grand Prix. He also took Formula Renault 3.5 world Series car to the gird of the Asian FV6.

Hamad competed in British Formula 3last year. He was crowned the most decorated driver in the Middle East for the 2007 season. In 2007, he achieved 19 podiums - a record for any Middle East driver.

He is sponsored by some of the most successful companies in Bahrain; for GP2, it is Gulf Financial House. He is also sponsored by Gulf Air. He is on the mission to be the first Arab Formula One driving champion.