Dubai: The opening round of the Dubai Kartdrome Endurance Championship driven by Mini takes place this weekend, with teams from around the world taking on the best of the UAE in a 24-hour race at Dubai Autodrome.
Defending champions Batelco will be the outfit to beat, with a host of top race drivers in their line-up, including Mohammad Mattar, Ramez Azzam, Alban Varutti and Edward Jones.
Their biggest challengers are likely to be the Dubai Falcons the likes of Shaikh Hasher Al Maktoum, Saeed Al Muhairi, Mohammad Al Mutawaa and Maurits Knopjes.
Another team to watch will be last year's runners-up, CG Racing, spearheaded by former karting world champion David Terrien and ace driver Rami Azzam.
Reigning corporate champions Publicis will not be on the grid, but CG Racing will nevertheless face good competition from the likes of MBC Action.
Strong effort
Dubai Autodrome chairman Ali Al Fardan Al Fardan said: "Strategy, stamina, speed and consistency will be the key elements. The teams who best meet the challenges imposed by these elements are likely to make it onto the podium at the end of, what is being predicted to be, a gruelling 24 hours.
"To the defending champions, Batelco, I welcome you again and wish you the best of luck in defending your prestigious title. It will take a very strong effort to dethrone this fantastic team from the top of the podium. But I do warn them that there are number of very good line-ups on the grid this weekend who are going to make their work very difficult."
Action at the Kartdrome starts at 11.50am today, with half an hour of free practice followed by 15 minutes qualifying at 12.30pm, with the UAE flag being waved at 2pm for the start of the 24-hour race.
