Abu Dhabi: The Yas Marina Circuit has added another much-awaited facility that will hopefully help attain one of its long-term goals of producing an Emirati Formula One driver.
The Yas Racing School at the Yas Marina Circuit, launched on Sunday evening will give drivers the chance to learn and drive racing cars including the two-seater Formula One racing car at the school.
"This is the start of a motor sport heritage in the UAE and our long-term goal is to have a UAE F1 driver within 10 years," said Richard Cregan, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management (ADMM.)
"This is an important next step in the development of our circuit. The Yas Racing School offers any driver the chance to learn the correct techniques for driving fast, in a safe and controlled environment, under the guidance of a professional racing instructor," Cregan said.
The school will be open seven days a week, from 8am until midnight and gives drivers the opportunity to drive on the same track driven by world champions Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton during last year's inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
"We are committed to making Yas Marina Circuit accessible to the whole UAE community not only on major race weekends but throughout the year. The racing school is a significant element of that commitment," Cregan said.
Jonathan Tait, Head of the Yas Racing School said: "The Yas Racing School is ready to take bookings. Prices range from Dh350 for a ride in a Yas SuperSport SSX while tuition in an Aston Martin/SST will cost Dh950.|"
"We can tailor tuition according to the driver's requirements," he added.
A one-day racing licence assessment costs Dh1,500 and private racing tuition costs Dh1,500 per hour.
"The fleet includes 10 Yas Supersports SSTs, two of the even-faster SSX versions, seven Aston Martin GT4 racing cars and 15 Formula Yas 3,000 single-seater racers... During the summer the fleet will be expanded to include eight small sporting hatchbacks and 30 karts," Tait said.
UAE ace and Automobile and Touring Club UAE President Mohammad Bin Sulayem said: "The formation of the new racing school is a very positive step in the right direction as it will help young people to become better, more disciplined drivers. They are being given a wonderful opportunity at Yas Marina, which is the most exciting stage in the world of motor racing. I wish I'd had this chance when I was young."
P rices from Dh350 an hour
Cars Rates (Per Ride)Yas SuperSport SSX Dh350Aston Martin/SST Dh950F1 two-seater Dh7,500Private racing tuition costs Dh1,500 per hour
