Drivers see tougher second season

Dubai: Two of the most experienced drivers, including the defending Speedcar Series champion Johnny Herbert, have predicted an even tougher second season this year.

"This season will be more competitive than last year, more so with the presence of young drivers," Herbert said at the announcement of the second season of the Speedcar Series.

"I am looking forward to the season as the overall package in the series is much better than last year. The younger drivers will make a lot of difference and these are elements that will help this series to grow even further," Herbert stated.

Among the changes this season, drivers and teams will be competing for a total prize fund of $3 million. The winning driver will take home $500,000 while the winning team will pocket $500,000.

In addition, drivers will also win pre-determined amounts of money for each of the 12 races scheduled this season.

As an added incentive, drivers on pole position for each of the six rounds will be awarded $10,000.

"We have a tough season ahead for all of us. The cars are getting ready and we are getting prepared to fight for the top honours," promised Jean Alesi.

Herbert and Alesi are among the handful of top drivers who have confirmed so far for the second running of the Speedcar Series.

"It's going to be a completely different approach to racing this year," promised Claudio Berro, the incoming Operations Director for the series. "So far we have 18 cars ready with nine professional teams from all over the world. This is important for us as it will make our series truly international," Berro observed.

"After our first successful season last year, it's clear we need some fantastic drivers to help sustain and grow this series," he added.

The official also promised that efforts were on to try and spread the series in other parts of Asia, particularly in Qatar and Singapore.

"We plan to take things one step at a time. We are in talks with Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Singapore as more venues would mean a better spread for the series on the Asian continent," Berro stated.

Schedule

December 5-6: Dubai Autodrome; January 23-24: Sakhir, Bahrain; February 27-28: Dubai Autodrome; April 4-5: Sepang, Malaysia; April 18-19: Sakhir, Bahrain; April 24-25: Dubai Autodrome.