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Drivers from across the UAE can learn to drive Yas Marina Circuit at racing speeds and even be driven in a two-seater Formula 1 racing car at the Yas Racing School, which opened in Abu Dhabi today.
The School will allow people who have never driven a racing car to receive expert tuition from specially selected instructors in Aston Martin GT4 racers and open-top Yas SuperSport SST track cars. They can also drive a Formula Yas 3000 single-seater, fitted with a three-litre V6 engine developed by Formula 1 engine-builder Cosworth.
Other programmes offered by the Yas Racing School include a one-day racing licence assessment course in association with the Automobile Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE), the official licensing body. Drivers who pass the medical examination and a written and practical test will have their racing licence issued by ATCUAE.
The opening of Yas Racing School was warmly endorsed by HE Staff Major General Obaid Al Kitbi of the Abu Dhabi Police and ATCUAE President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. “The Racing School offers enthusiastic drivers the opportunity to drive fast in safety,” General Obaid said. “The race track is the right place to measure your skill behind the wheel – not the public roads.”
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE, said: “In the interests of road safety, it’s vital to keep racing off the streets and ensure the youth of the UAE have the chance to learn new driving skills and enjoy motor sport in a safe, properly controlled environment.
“The formation of this 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 for motor racing. I wish I’d have had this chance when I was young.”
Richard Cregan, Chief Executive Officer of Yas Marina Circuit, commented: “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 technique for driving fast, in a safe and controlled environment, under the direct guidance of a professional racing instructor. You can experience all the thrills of motorsport on the same track driven by Formula 1 world champions like Button, Hamilton and Alonso.
“We are very 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. It means that the circuit is open for business seven days a week, from 8 am until midnight. It’s regarded by many as the best racing facility in the world and now anyone can drive it, either through the School or on one of our Track Days.”
Car enthusiasts who would rather be driven by a professional racing driver than drive themselves have the option of travelling as a passenger in a powerful open-top Yas SuperSport SSX or enjoying the ultimate thrill of a ride in a two-seater Formula 1 car. Both F1 two-seaters at the Yas Racing School were built to F1 manufacturing and safety standards, are fitted with current F1 suspension, brakes and tyres, and are powered by V10 engines producing more than 700 bhp.
Yas Racing School is open for immediate bookings. Prices range from AED 350 for a ride in a Yas SuperSport SSX, through AED 950 for tuition in an Aston Martin or SST, to AED 7,500 for an F1 two-seater experience. The one-day racing licence assessment costs AED 1,500 and private racing tuition costs from AED 1,500 per hour.
The fleet of cars at the Yas Racing School will include 10 Yas Supersports SSTs, two of the even faster SSX versions, seven Aston Martin GT4 racing cars, 15 Formula Yas 3000 single-seater racers and two F1 two-seaters. During the summer, the fleet will be expanded to include eight small sporting hatchbacks and 30 karts.
Bookings can be made at www.yasmarinacircuit.ae or by calling 800 YAS (927).
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