Abu Dhabi: One of the UAE’s top young talents could earn a chance to build a career in motorsport by winning a place at the renowned FIA Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy (YDEA).

The Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE) is staging the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia regional qualifying event for the 2015 academy at Yas Marina Circuit from September 28-October 1.

Nominated by the ATCUAE, young Emirati Mohammad Al Mutawaa became the first Arab driver to enter the academy programme two years ago, and has since developed his career with Abu Dhabi Racing in the World and Middle East Rally Championship.

Like 22 other national motorsport authorities from around the region, the ATCUAE has also been invited by the FIA Institute to nominate a driver aged between 15 and 23 years to take part in the event, one of six regional qualifiers worldwide.

Previous academy graduates include Formula One reserve drivers Alexander Rossi, Stoffel Vandoorne, and Robin Frijns, and World Rally Championship drivers Andreas Mikkelsen, Pontus Tidemand and Craig Breen.

Winners from each gain automatic selection into the fully funded 2015 Academy programme, which develops young talent and promotes safety in motorsport. Four more drivers will be selected using a wildcard system.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the region’s best young drivers to develop their skills, and enhance their chances of a career in international motorsport,” said ATCUAE President Mohammad Bin Sulayem, the FIA Vice President.

“Competition for a place in the academy will be tough, but all the participants who come to Abu Dhabi will learn a great deal to help them in their careers.

“The winner will have the chance to follow in the footsteps of other academy graduates who have gone on to drive at the top level.”

The ATCUAE will be assessing potential candidates before nominating its representative in the coming weeks.

The 23 drivers will receive four days of world-class training and education in Abu Dhabi. In addition to learning advanced driving techniques, they will be tutored on modern media techniques, teamwork and psychology, by a team of experts.

This year’s qualifying events cover six regions. The others take place in Holland (North Eastern Europe), Croatia (South Western Europe), South Africa (Sub-Saharan Africa), Mexico (Americas) and China and Australia jointly (Asia-Pacific).