DUBAI: FIA vice-president and ATCUAE president Mohammad Bin Sulayem expressed delight over the huge interest in the Dunlop 24 Hours of Dubai that begins on Friday.
"Motorsport in the UAE has been healthy and it's good to see so many people coming to Dubai and enjoying the races here. The Dunlop 24 Hours of Dubai has a huge field and the atmosphere is fantastic. I really enjoy coming here during the 24-hour weekend," the 14-time Middle East Rally champion said.
A total of 74 cars will begin the 24-hour challenge on Friday at 2pm and this year the quality of the field is of the highest standard ever.
Porsche, BMW, Ferrari, Audi, Mercedes, Lotus, Lamborghini, Ginetta, Aston Martin are just some of the legendary brands set to do battle in one of the world's biggest endurance race events.
Wishing all the drivers good luck, Bin Sulayem said: "I wish everyone has a safe drive and enjoys the unique hospitality that we in the UAE are famous for. I also have a special spot in my heart for the UAE drivers and teams who I hope to see on the podium on Saturday afternoon."
Dubai Autodrome board member Eisa Bin Hadher, while welcoming the international teams to the event, said: "It's great to know that there are over 400 drivers and a couple of thousand team engineers and crew members participating in the event. We have done our best to deliver a high-standard venue for a race which our team is proud to be associated with."
