Yas Marina to mark 10th year with new race, events
24m Dirhams karting facility upgrade to see improved circuit
abu dhabi — Yas Marina Circuit was opened in October 2009 and the new season, in its 10th year, promises more thrills and chills with biggest-ever range of sports and community events.
In a move hailed as historic by motorsport enthusiasts, the Circuit will host the opening race of 2019 FIA World Rallycross Championship – a first for the Middle East – in April next year.
Yas Marina Circuit CEO Al Tareq Al Ameri said hosting the championship on April 5 and 6 is a ‘big milestone’. “This will be for the first time that the championship is getting held in the Middle East. This event shows the growth and momentum of motorsports and international events in Abu Dhabi,” Al Ameri said while launching the new season calendar at a glittering ceremony at the circuit.
Automobile and Touring Club UAE president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the addition of World RX is a historical moment. “Motorsport isn’t any more about cars fighting with each other for points but it is about entertainment. So what Yas Marina Circuit has given is the entertainment factor. World Rallycross Championship will bring in more spectators,” Sulayem said and added the championship will inspire new generation of racers to compete at the highest level.
Rallycross is a form of sprint style automobile racing, held on a closed mixed-surface racing circuit, with modified production or specially built road cars, similar to the World Rally Cars.
Abu Dhabi Racing chairman Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi said whenever he takes part in international rallies there is always a thought to bring such an event to the UAE.
“We always think about what’s next and today we are really proud to have such an event in the UAE. Yes, it is not exactly a rally but the circuit here is fantastic and people will enjoy the thrill as there will be extreme action,” the ambassador of motorsport in Abu Dhabi said.
The new season will also see the return of endurance races and streetstyle drag events, including TRD 86 Cup, Yas Racing Series and Gulf 12 Hours. Vintage F1 cars will be back on track with Yas Super Street and Yas Roll Racing drag racing sessions. Also, an ongoing Dh24 million upgrade at Circuit’s karting facility will see improved 1.2-km circuit with three new karting tracks.
And the new season comes with increased focus on female drivers. TRD 86 Cup will be back in an expanded form and includes two female drivers.
There will be a Ladies Day, which will see circuit being run by women. Led by the circuit’s four female instructors, ladies will get the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities including karting, driving and passenger experiences and hear from those involved in motorsport including the two drivers from TRD 86 Cup.
Moreover, there are major developments with community events. October sees 1 million visits to popular community sporting events like StartYAS, TrainYAS and GoYAS Village. There will be range of sporting events for athletes of all ages and abilities as well as families from across the Abu Dhabi community. A new early morning cycling programme TrainAM, a new partnership with Abu Dhabi Cycling Club, is new attraction.
Thus in its 10th year, the circuit is keeping its ‘Always On’ promise and set to start another journey filled with world-class sport, entertainment and fitness events.