Abu Dhabi: The Executive Affairs Authority of Abu Dhabi yesterday announced the establishment of a standalone company, Abu Dhabi Motor Sport Management (ADMM) to develop and manage Yas Marina Circuit and the highly anticipated 2009 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The head of the new organisation will be Philippe Gurdjian.
With construction work well underway, Gurdjian has been working closely with the Executive Affairs Authority and ALDAR Properties for the past six months. The creation of ADMM and his official appointment as CEO marks a crucial watershed for the Yas Marina Circuit strategy, as it formalises operational and day-to-day management structures.
Gurdjian has more than 40 years of experience in motor sport, including the creation of some of the world's most impressive circuits and playing an instrumental role in 24 successful F1 Grand Prix around the world.
"It was critical to find the right person for this job because Yas Marina Circuit is about more than just creating one of the most advanced F1 tracks on the motor racing circuit - it is also about building a global centre for motor sport in the region, as well as a hub for automotive technology research and development," said Khaldoon Al Mubarak, chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority and chairman of ADMM.
'Unrivalled credentials'
"Philippe's impressive and unrivalled motor sport credentials, along with the close partnership he has already established with ALDAR, made the decision an easy one."
Gurdjian's achievements include the construction on Malaysia's Sepang Circuit (1998), Bahrain International Circuit (2004) and the upgrade of Spain's Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona.
Moreover, he was responsible for organising the first three Grand Prix races in Kuala Lumpur (2000-2002) and the first Bahrain Grand Prix (2004) with great success.
