Abu Dhabi: Yas Marina Circuit’s first home-grown motorsport championship will roar into Dubai Autodrome this weekend with a new face lining up on the grid.
The TRD 86 Cup is a single-make, sustainable local motorsport initiative introduced by Yas Marina Circuit in 2014 to enable UAE-based amateur racers to drive in a competitive environment.
The third round of the 2016 championship takes place this Friday at Dubai Autodrome with a field of locally-based driving talent that just got one bigger.
Thirty-two year-old Abu Dhabi resident Nicola Montezemolo will make his debut against 13 of the UAE’s fastest professional and amateur drivers as we reach the halfway mark in this year’s championship.
The Italian father-of-two said he can’t wait to race competitively at top-class facilities including Dubai Autodrome and Yas Marina Circuit.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to sign up for the TRD 86 Cup,” he said. “I used to race semi-professionally in Italy back in 2007 and 2008 and never thought I’d get another chance to experience the incredible buzz of competitive motorsport.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for UAE-based motorsport enthusiasts like me. To race in a safe environment in which you experience the world of F1 drivers on fully equipped circuits is a dream come true.”
The 14 professional and amateur drivers will compete head-to-head for a place on the podium across two separate categories — Gold and Silver — culminating in the sixth and final round which will see the TRD 86 Cup winner crowned in April.
Ali Al Beshr, Head of Sport at Yas Marina Circuit, said: “Motorsport fanatics like Nicola love to feel the adrenalin of driving a racing car at its limits of speed and handling. The TRD 86 Cup gives them the opportunity to do that in a safe and competitive environment.
“We always look forward to taking the TRD 86 Cup to Dubai Autodrome, giving the drivers and teams a different circuit layout and new challenge to contend with. We’d like to extend a big thank you to Dubai Autodrome for hosting us this weekend and are looking forward to entertaining a big crowd with a packed schedule of intense racing,” he added.
Gates open from 9am at the Main Gate, Dubai Autodrome. Tickets cost from Dh25 per person.
You can keep up with all the action on Yas TV, a motorsport channel dedicated to following local motorsport. To view highlights from the weekend’s racing, go to Yas TV at http://www.youtube.com/user/YasMarinaCircuit.
To receive privileged discounts, register with the Yas Motor Racing Club at: http://www.yasmarinacircuit.com/en/motorsport/become-a-yas-club-member)
To view this weekend’s race schedule, visit www.yasmarinacircuit.com for regular updates.
Please note timings are subject to change. To book, visit www.yasmarinacircuit.com or call 800 YAS (927).
