Abu Dhabi: As every major milestone added to the Yas Marina Circuit, Richard Cregan, its CEO, said that the eventual aim is to one day see an Emirati driver behind the wheel in an F1 race.
Ever since the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was flagged off in 2009, there has been a sea change in the way many view motor-racing and slowly parents are getting educated on the finer aspects of the sport.
This, according to an aspiring F1 racer, could hasten the process and very soon the UAE's and the region's dream of producing an F1 driver will be realised.
Saeed Al Muhairi, who like almost every other Emirati youth has a passion for cars and speed, feels the hosting of the first two editions of the F1 world championship race at the Yas Marina Circuit have gone a long way in removing a lot of negative perceptions in parents' minds regarding the safety aspect of the sport. "Before 2009, many Emiratis did not know F1 racing and even if they knew, they did not know how the sport was run or raced for that matter," said Al Muhairi.
"But after two F1 races being held here in Abu Dhabi much has changed. People realise there are many things beyond racing — the fans, the images — people understand it is a safe place, they realise there are marshals, instructors, safety experts, all contributing to making it a safe sport," he said. "Also, the youth are realising that it is not racing on road, but there is a right place to race.
"Those who used to race on roads now race on the tracks, which is the right place," Al Muhairi said.
Big chance
Al Muhairi strongly believes that the UAE or the region will produce an F1 driver sooner than later.
"I can say that we can see a F1 driver emerging very soon. Before it was impossible. But now I can say there is a big chance that we can see an F1 driver in the next five to seven years. Maybe earlier than that."
However Al Muhairi feels much will depend on parents and their support to their children who show promise in their early days.
"During my karting sessions I see a lot of children who are good, but many of these talented youngsters are not continuing. We need a large pool of young drivers and parents have to educate themselves that the sport is safe and encourage their children."
"Almost all the F1 drivers started when they were less than 10 years old. If parents can help we can reach our goal earlier, producing an Emirati F1 driver. I feel it will be either the UAE or Bahrain which will see some promising drivers emerge and hopefully they will make their presence felt at the highest level of motor racing," Al Muhairi said.
