19-year-old Saudi Arabian to represent Middle East at FIA’s driving academy

Saudi Arabia´s Abdullah Bamogaddam is congratulated by Dr Mohammed Ben Sulayem after earning selection in Abu Dhabi to the FIA Institute´s 2013/14 Young Driver Excellence Academy. Courtesy FIA InstituShow more

ABU DHABI // The Middle East will be represented at next season’s FIA Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy by Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Bamogaddam after the 19 year old was selected by a panel of judges ahead of 15 others from the region.

Bamogaddam, who has taken four podiums from six races in his local single-seater Saudi Formula Championship, said he is delighted to be nominated following four days of intense training and evaluations at Yas Marina Circuit.

He will join the Academy in November in the hope of emulating the likes of Robert Frijns and Alexander Rossi, whom are both now signed to Formula One teams.

“I’m very excited, it’s a wonderful feeling,” Bamogaddam said.

“I’m joining the best motor sport academy in the world, with the best trainers, the best facilities, the best of everything, so it will help me a lot in my career.”

The Saudi driver was announced as the winner of the regional selection event by Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE, after a final day that saw a shortlist of six drivers complete time trials and interviews.

“Abdullah now has a great opportunity to take his career to another level through the Academy programme,” Ben Sulayem said.

“Each of the other drivers will go away from Abu Dhabi with more valuable knowledge and experience, and more friends in the motor sport community.”

Emirati Mansour Al Helei did not make the final shortlist and watched Wednesday’s time trials from the sidelines.