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TEENAGE Bahraini sensation Isa Al Koheeji is aiming to follow in the footsteps of McLaren's Lewis Hamilton and power his way towards the top of the motor-racing world ... and one day take the chequered flag at the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.
As the British ace aims this season to better his second place in the Formula One championship the talented Isa Town schoolboy is steering his career on the same path as his hero.
A graduate of Thunder Arabia's training course at the Bahrain International Circuit in 2005, Isa's racing ability has already been recognised and admired by motor-racing enthusiasts.
Hassan Al Wardan, Isa's manager, said: "In my opinion there were only two members on the course that showed a lot of promise and potential and Isa was one of them. He is at the perfect age to take off right now in terms of motor sports. I have a lot of faith in Isa, as does his family."
And his racing career certainly appears to be on course for success. Currently he is testing with his new team Alpine Motorsport for a second season in the highly-competitive Formula Renault BARC UK.
"I guess you can say that right now I am following the lead of many great racers to achieve my goal of one day being part of Formula One.
"I hope one day to drive a McLaren as it is 30 per cent owned by Bahrain and because my favourite F1 driver is Hamilton.
"Ferrari is durable but McLaren is a strong car and don't forget ... real drivers love fast cars."
The youngster is Bahrain barmy and is noted for wearing a "one of a kind" customised Bahraini-style ghutra and igal helmet.
He first came to racing prominence at the tender age of 15 when he took part in Thunder Arabia's Middle East Series and came fourth out of 16 drivers.
He then joined the Desert 400 competition, racing in Australian V8's support race organised by Thunder Arabia, competing with experienced drivers such as Bahraini Salah Salahuddin and Saudi racer Abdul Aziz Al Yaeesh.
Qualifying in fourth place in the first race he left the competition for dust and won. In his second race he started ninth on the grid and won that race too!
The year 2007 was another good one for the young ace as he participated in Formula Renault BARC UK and the Formula BMW Championship in Bahrain.
In recent days Isa has already steered his new car into fourth fastest during testing for Formula Renault BARC 2008. He will be racing amongst many experienced drivers including Bahraini champion of Thunder Arabia 2006-2007, Mohammed Al Aali, who is with Tempus Sport. Isa and Mohammed are the only Bahrainis entering the 2008 contest.
Last year, while racing the Formula Renault 2000, Isa came in 14th among 32 drivers in the UK.
Manager Al Wardan said: "While racing at Renault BARC everyone was really impressed with how far this 16-year-old had come. Always keeping his head in check, Isa thought of nothing but racing and stuck to his training at all times."
As for the Formula BMW Championship in Bahrain, it consisted of eight races and Isa has completed three and won the third with five more races to go.
Al Wardan said: "We try to get Isa involved in as many races and championships as he can to rack up the mileage and build his reputation. This is good practice for him and for the bigger races to come.
"After completing Formula Renault BARC UK he can later move onto F3 in 2009, race there for a couple of years collecting the podiums, then GP2 and off course the main goal which is Formula One."
Isa's family is currently supporting his racing expenses but continued success on the track will prove vital if he is to secure the necessary financial sponsorship needed to reach the top. The search is on now for a sponsor. Al Wardan said: "We are creating a national hero that will bring pride to the country and with that the sponsor can get all the media exposure that they would like. Sponsoring a driver is an investment at the end of the day - not charity."
Although Isa has his hands full racing away in the UK and Bahrain, he still manages to find the time to study. As well as racing he will be keeping a check on the Formula One season which starts in Australia in March 16 and the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix weekend takes place on April 4, 5 and 6.
His heart goes for Lewis Hamilton but he believes Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa will have a "strong chance" too.
To sponsor Isa, visit info@
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