The car’s just returned from having a roll cage fitted. That, however, is the extent to the modifications on the interior. The air conditioning still works, the stereo is still in place, and there’s room for the whole family. Astonishing as it may seem, with a few quick changes made – most notably the enormous rear tyres and track-ready suspension settings –the GTO is a perfectly road legal family coupe again. Hanging from the rearview mirror, for example, is a pacifier, loaned by Fadi’s young daughter Ghina, and in a few weeks she’ll even have her own childseat installed too.

“Family is something that pushes you forward. When I did my run at Yas Marina, my wife Ghayda was in the crowd. When I went under 10s, she started to shout and cry, and everyone was looking at her! And in the car, I was so happy and started to cry. She’s always supported me, and Ghina’s starting to get excited about it too!

A major hurdle was crossed and in style, but Fadi knows there are limits to Lulu’s potential. That doesn’t mean this was the last hurrah though.

“I think maybe we can go half a second quicker with weight reduction. Already I have a carbon fibre hood, but I’ve painted it because I don’t like to show. There’s there’s still room for carbon fibre doors, panels and the trunk. Wherever I can take weight off without affecting the look or the interior, I will do it.