Autodrome braced for wet conditions
Ben Sulayem praises event for attracting higher calibre of drivers in ninth iteration
While wet weather proved to be an unexpected interloper yesterday ahead of the 24 Hours of Dubai race, the Dubai Autodrome say they are ready to cope with any rain that arrives over the race weekend.
Richard Birch, the facility’s general manager, said that further rain on the race days on Friday and Saturday would not cause any problems, and could add an element of unpredictability to the event.
“Rain is always a possibility as today [Tuesday] has proved,” he said.
“Of course, we are well prepared for this, but it adds an intriguing element to the vast challenges that a race of this nature throws up for teams and drivers to contend with.”
A total of 81 cars, in the eight competing categories, are scheduled to compete in Dubai for the event, and Mohammed ben Sulayem, the president of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE), said the sheer depth of the field demonstrated how far the race had developed in what will be its ninth staging.
“We have seen this race grow, not only in size, but also in quality,” he said.
“We have top teams and top drivers competing for what is one of the most prestigious endurance race trophies on the international motor racing calendar.
“We must congratulate all concerned for the efforts and hard work that goes into making the Dunlop 24 Hours of Dubai happen.
“This event has also enabled us in the UAE to showcase the progress in our own motorsport development, not only teams and drivers but also officials, marshals and all the support staff behind the scenes who make it all happen, and help make it the success that it has become.”
On track action begins today with optional private testing, before the first of three practice sessions get underway tomorrow at 11am. Three qualifying sessions follow, starting at 3pm.
Race day on Friday begins at 10.30am with a half-hour warm-up, with the race set to be flagged off at 2pm.
The chequered flag will wave 24 hours later, on Saturday at 2pm, followed by podium ceremonies for all classes.
sports@thenational.ae
Follow us on Twitter @SprtNationalUAE
