Plans to create an Abu Dhabi Rally, which would become part of the Middle East Rally Championship next season, have been announced.
Yas Motor Racing Club and Abu Dhabi Racing will stage a candidate event in October.
If that is met with approval by the motorsport’s world governing body, the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and judged as a success, the event will be included in the calendar for next year.
The candidate event is designed to allow FIA officials to assess the suitability of a venue to host a round of the championship. The officials will evaluate the stage options, organisation and infrastructure behind the scenes.
The test event will begin on October 16 with a spectator stage at Yas Marina Circuit, using the 0.97-kilometre Northern Handling Circuit at the track, which consists of 10 corners.
The following day will consist of eight stages at locations to be announced by organisers.
Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi, the 2004 overall champion and chairman of Abu Dhabi Racing, believes the city should host a round of the championship, and that it would be well-received by the public.
“Abu Dhabi Rally will definitely be an added value to the Middle East Rally Championship next season,” said the Emirati.
“The event will connect the deep-rooted culture of rallying in the region with the modernity of the sport, as the headquarters of Abu Dhabi Rally and the Super Special Stage will be at Yas Marina Circuit.”
The UAE already hosts one round of the championship, the Dubai International Rally, traditionally the final round of the season, with this year’s event taking place from November 27 to 29.
Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon and Cyprus also host events.
Entry to the rally will be open for all saloon rally cars homologated for the present rally season and National saloon cars. Interested racers can sign up on Yas Marina’s website.
* with Agency
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