Khalid Al Mutawaa, Mohammed Al Abdoli and Thani Al Thani, winners of the HSBC Racing Academy are set to embark on their exciting journey to France to participate in the first round of Formula Campus Renault Elf Championship. Held at Nogaro, France on the 7th and 8th April, the young drivers’ participation in the championship brings hope for the UAE flag to fly high at an esteemed international motor sport event.
After passing all phases of the selection process, which entailed four phases, these home-grown racers have qualified for the full season of the Formula Campus Renault Elf Championship 2007, which commences in April with round one and continues through with another six rounds at international circuits around France. The championship finishes off in November with round 7 set for the Dubai Autodrome, making it a marked occasion for Dubai’s motor sport history.
The three young drivers owe their rise to fame to the HSBC Racing Academy which is supported by HSBC and the Dubai Autodrome. The two esteemed organizations teamed up to identify, train, and develop these young men to a level needed to combat their mission of their initial competition at international level.
The Emirati drivers were granted the intense and quality training under the supervision of the highly skilled Dubai Autodrome instructors. The team of three were also sent to the famous Auto Sport Academy FFSA in France for two full training courses earlier this year. All three drivers were trained to push both their endurance and performance standards to the limit in the hope of establishing the UAE as a serious contender on the world motor sport map.
“I am very content with the outstanding level of driving accomplished attained by the HSBC Racing Academy drivers so far, they have faced serious competition in qualifying for this very important motor sporting event. I am confident that they will further impress with their exceptional performance at the actual Championship, following the brilliant standards showcased at their last training session in France. I look forward to congratulating these highly driven athletes at the last round on their own country’s soil.”, said David Terrien, The HSBC Racing Academy Team Mentor and Trainer, former Karting and FIA GT World Champion as well as current Dubai Autodrome Karting Manager.
Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the HSBC Racing Academy was initiated in 2006, and was the product of the HSBC and Dubai Autodrome joint efforts to spot, train and groom the younger generation of UAE Nationals and with the aim of turning a select few into recognizable drivers on the international racing circuit.
Mr. Essa Bin Hadher, HSBC Racing Academy Manager, said, “We are devoted to find, promote and nurse the local racing talent. We seek to spot rising talent and potential Emirati champion, and nurture them through the HSBC Racing Academy. Khalid Al Mutawaa, Mohammed Al Abdoli and Thani Al Falasi have shown tremendous dedication and enthusiasm and we offer them our full support in achieving their desired results.”
About the Dubai Autodrome
Dubai Autodrome is the region's first fully-integrated motorsports facility. The Autodrome is a state-of-the-art complex featuring an FIA sanctioned 5.39 km track, There are six track permutations, with three of them being able to work simultaneously, giving unparalleled options for track users. The complex, part of the Union Properties MotorCity development, includes a Race & Driving School, a CIK-approved Kart track; is ideal for concerts and corporate entertainment. Dubai Autodrome also acts as a social destination and tourist attraction for overseas visitors.
