We are all Khalifa, and the world will know it

ABU DHABI // We are all Khalifa … that is the message to be carried as a logo on the side of two cars competing at this weekend’s Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi.

The “Kullunna Khalifa” logo will be painted on both Scuderia Toro Rosso cars to symbolise unity in the UAE, and will be seen by up to 200 million people watching on television across the globe.

“Kullunna Khalifa is something very important to us here at the International Petroleum Investment Company [Ipic] and we thought this was a wonderful opportunity to promote UAE pride,” said Khadem Al Qubaisi, the managing director of Ipic who organised the initiative.

“The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is a fantastic occasion for everyone in the country. It puts Abu Dhabi in the international spotlight and every year people work so hard to make it all happen.”

Members of the Toro Rosso team said they fully support the initiative.

“The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has become Scuderia Toro Rosso’s highlight of the year as we enjoy a close cooperation with Cepsa, Nova Chemicals and Falcon Private Bank, all Ipic Group companies,” said Franz Tost, team principal for STR.

“We feel very honoured to race with the symbol of UAE pride, Kullunna Khalifa, on our cars. In addition, Yas Marina is one of the world’s most beautiful racetracks, with a very special atmosphere.”

STR’s young superstar, Daniel Ricciardo, said: “I really enjoy Yas Marina Circuit. It’s definitely in my top three races.

“The fact that it’s the only twilight race on the calendar ensures there’s always a great atmosphere.”