In early 2010, in the afterglow of Abu Dhabi’s inaugural grand prix, the chief executive of Yas Marina Circuit confidently proclaimed an Emirati would be racing in Formula One by 2020.
Four-and-a-half years later and the likelihood of Richard Cregan’s prediction coming true remains as improbable as ever. Next week, Yas will host the FIA Institute’s regional qualifier for its Young Driver Excellence Academy.
In Europe, the programme is prestigious, popular and fiercely competitive, but here the search for an Emirati to take part ended almost as quickly as it began.
Such is the shallow pool of talent, the spot reserved for an Emirati has been filled by the same driver who trialled last year.
For an academy in which three of the class of 2011 are now test drivers with F1 teams, the paltry response raises real concerns. However a lack of suitable participants and an absence of interest came as no surprise to those involved in motorsport in this country.
The UAE has been hosting races and rallies for more than 30 years, but for the majority of its residents it was never a viable career option. At best, it was a hobby.
In recent years, massive investment has been pumped into motorsport in a bid to change that, but it has not yet produced a flow of talent. The few young Emiratis that have shown desire have also struggled to find companies willing to provide financial support.
Yesterday, as the Formula Gulf 1,000 announced a major tie-up with Campos Racing, the series founders were contemplating starting the season for the first time without an Emirati in the field.
Yet, there is one glaring exception to the rule. Rashed Al Dhaheri is a six year old who hero worships Fernando Alonso and has already started racing karts in Europe.
It is no coincidence he is the same age as the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Changing a generation’s mindset is difficult, but when you grow up only ever knowing your town as a F1 host city, it makes motorsport appear accessible, it makes it appear more than just a hobby, and that is the goal.
gmeenaghan@thenational.ae
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