Final test for UAE National Race Day marshals this weekend

Dubai: One of the top officials associated with next month's Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is thrilled with the prospect of one final test run for his team of marshals through this weekend's UAE National Race Day at the Dubai Autodrome.

"The UAE National Race Day could not have come at a more opportune moment for us. We have nearly 200 marshals who stand to benefit with some first-hand experience of what to expect at the Grand Prix next month," Ron Thompson, the Chief Flag for the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, told Gulf News.

Thompson has been involved with the training of marshals over the past few weeks in an attempt to prepare them for the hugely responsible task ahead.

The marshals have already attended at least two theory sessions in Abu Dhabi and this weekend's race meet at the Dubai Autodrome is meant to give them "the feel of attending an actual race".

"The new marshals will go and observe how a race is conducted. They will get to know how things are done," Thompson said.

In addition to the involvement of the UAE marshals — courtesy of an agreement with Takatof — organisers Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management (ADMM) have sought the assistance of 300 race marshals from the British Automobile Racing Club (BARC), who are scheduled to arrive next week.

Takatof has partnered with ADMM to organise the recruitment, training and management of the largest UAE national volunteer workforce ever recruited to fulfil key hospitality-related positions on and off the circuit during the course of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

"We are pleased with the way the two training sessions have gone," he smiled.

With many UAE nationals showing a lot of enthusiasm in attending the training sessions so far, Friday's National Race Day will be the first-ever time they come in contact with live racing, at least for a few.

"The emphasis so far has been on individual safety where each of the marshals have been instructed that they need to stay away from the track and at the same time be vigilant of what exactly is happening on the track," Thompson said.

In the long run, such a programme also wants to attain a sort of self-sufficiency in having locally-raised marshals. Hence, the first running of the grand prix next month will only act as the start of many high-profile events.

"We would need the commitment of local volunteers as they would be the right face of the warmth and hospitality of the UAE. Besides, this type of community engagement is an important objective for us and we are confident that the volunteer experience will be extremely valuable," stated Richard Cregan, CEO, ADMM.

After successful completion of training, volunteers will be assigned duties with the Yas Marina Circuit and at other customer touch points outside the circuit.

Their roles will range from airport greeting, hotel information customer service desk, shuttle bus assistance, communications volunteers and VIP greetings.

All volunteers will receive a ‘certificate of experience' recognizing their commitment and service.

The first real test for marshals will come when a closed door round of the GP2 Series is held at the Yas Marina Circuit next weekend (October 23-24).