Middle East Aston Martin unveiled the new DBR9 GT racing car, seen for the first time in the region, and announced plans to launch a Dubai-based racing team that could compete in GT Series across Europe, Asia, the USA and Middle East.
The planned Dubai GT Team will consist of two DBR9s, a fleet of hand-picked engineers and the best drivers the Middle East has to offer, including Shaikh Maktoum Bin Hasher Maktoum Al Maktoum.
The Dubai GT Team is looking to make its debut race at Dubai Autodrome during the LG Super Racing Weekend in November 2005 before racing in 2006.
"Our cars are currently in production so we are using this valuable time to put together a highly skilled team of mechanics, engineers and drivers which will be able to compete with the best in the world and take us to where we ultimately want to be winning the 24 Hours Le Mans!" said Marco Saviozzi, who will lead the Dubai GT Team.
The DBR9 GT racing car is based on the latest Aston Martin production sports car - the DB9 - but is significantly modified for competition use.
The race engine uses the same aluminium cylinder block and head as the DB9's 450bhp 6-litre V12 unit, but with racing modifications it is expected to produce in the region of 600bhp.
Shaikh Maktoum said: "This is a tremendously exciting time for Aston Martin, Dubai and motor-racing enthusiasts world over."
