Dubai: UAE motorsport legend Mohammad Bin Sulayem on Tuesday praised the longevity and quality of the Hankook 24 Hours of Dubai endurance race, which celebrates its 10th edition at Dubai Autodrome from Thursday to Saturday this week.

Speaking at the official media event ahead of this weekend’s race, the Automobile & Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE) President and 14-time Middle East rally champion said: “The 24 Hours of Dubai has evolved from a largely amateur racing event ten years ago to the showpiece that it is now with 95 top teams, over 400 drivers, thousands of support crew and officials — all with full FIA-approved international endurance series status.

“We have also seen UAE-based teams and drivers excel over the past few years, with our own Khalid Al Qubaisi winning twice and again sure to be a front-runner this year.

“I applaud all those involved with this event for their hard work and commitment. I am sure the Dubai 24 Hours will continue to grow and be part of our great city’s sporting calendar for many years to come.”

A record 96 cars are entered for the 2015 24 Hours of Dubai, with an impressive list boasting major sports car manufacturers including the likes of Ferrari, Porsche, Mercedes, BMW, Lamborghini, Corvette, Nissan, Maserati, Audi and Aston Martin.

Gerrie Willems, of organisers Creventic, said: “We are delighted with the huge interest for our race. It all started together with DNRT — a foundation of motorsport enthusiasts — and the management of Dubai Autodrome, and both have been among the key partners and are instrumental in making this race a success.”

“Once again, there is a good variety, with touring cars and GT cars in the field and an excellent mix of drivers. The philosophy of our event is: affordable costs, a convivial atmosphere with teams and drivers from all over the world and fair competition on the track.”

The drivers in action include the likes of Bernd Schneider, Jeroen Bleekemolen, Andreas Simonsen, Peter Kox, Marko Asmer, Oli Webb, Nicky Pastorelli, Miguel Ramos, Stefan Mucke, Thomas Jaeger, Rob Barff, Phil Quaife and Clemens Schmid.

The top drivers from the region include Abdul Aziz Al Faisal, Karim Al Azhari, Al Qubaisi, Mohammad Jawa, Jordan Grogor, Mohammad Al Owais and Abdullah Al Hammadi.

Ali Al Fardan, Dubai Autodrome Chairman, said: “The Dubai 24 Hours has taken place on nine previous occasions at our venue, and every year big fields have battled it out for top honours in an event which is now among the world’s leading 24-hour races.”

Throughout the race weekend, the Dubai Autodrome paddock will be a hive of activity with a myriad of off-track entertainment and attractions for the whole family, with free entry to the circuit.

Qualifying takes place on Thursday between 3pm and 5.30pm, with the race set to be flagged off at 2pm on Friday and the chequered flag due to fall at 2pm on Saturday, followed by the podium ceremony.