Reema Juffali (above) will line up for SPS automotive performance in GT3-Am class at the Dubai Autodrome on Friday.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Saudi motorsports star Reema Juffali has set her sights on a podium finish at the Hankook 24 Hours of Dubai race.

Donning the colours of the SPS automotive performance team, the 29-year-old is making her debut in the 24 hour race.

Participating in the GT3-Am class at the Dubai Autodrome, Reema will be behind the wheel of the Mercedes-AMG and is keen to make it a special one.

Reema makes the switch to endurance racing following a strong showing in the single-seater British F3 Championship last year.

Speaking to Gulf Today, Reema said: "I’m really excited to make my debut at the 24 Hours race.

"We have a great team and a superb car in which I will be competing. Definitely, the target will be a podium.

"I’m really looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 — it’s an absolute beast of a car and I’ve seen really strong results in testing."

Reema is part of a strong line-up team that will be aiming to secure victory in the class.

Her team-mates for this class include Valentin Pierburg, runner-up in the Pro-Am class of GT World Challenge Europe, and former winner of the Am-class at the 24 Hours of Dubai, as well as George Kurtz, who has been competing successfully in GT World Challenge America for a number of years and has twice driven for SPS automotive performance in the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps.

Britain’s Ian Loggie, the reigning Pro-Am champion in the British GT Championship, has a wealth of experience in GT3 racing.

Juffali was initially drawn to motorsport as a spectator. While watching the 24 Hours of Le Mans as a college student, she was inspired to join the sport.

"The 24 Hours of Le Mans was the catalyst for my getting behind the wheel," she explained.

"It was fascinating. I noticed individuals of all ages and all automobile types, and that's when I decided to start.

I told myself that I could dream, but I didn't have to be an F1 driver to be successful.

“My ambition is to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans."

She was named the official ambassador of the Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix when Jeddah hosted the country’s first F1 race in December 2021.

Juffali intends to encourage the next generation to pursue a career in racing, and believes that the country's first Formula One race would bolster Saudi Arabia's enthusiasm for the sport.

"I hope I've inspired people to follow their dreams," she said.