DUBAI // Formula One driver Fernando Alonso took a break from the fast lane by paying a visit to a kart racing circuit in Dubai.
The Spanish Ferrari driver and two time world champion arrived unannounced at the Dubai Kartdrome on Monday.
Fans gathered for his autograph or to take pictures to share on social media sites.
“Fernando actually visits the Kartdrome quite often when he is in town – I believe he has a home in Dubai – and really comes around on his own accord and on a private capacity – no PR and spin doctors,” said a spokesman for the Dubai Kartdrome.
“Really we leave him to his own devices and he obviously attracts fans and is always very gracious and friendly with everyone.”
The last time Alonso generated headlines by appearing at the Kartdrome was in February, when he took part in a mixed sporting event organised by sponsor Santander.
The event finished with a football game with Dubai resident Diego Maradona.
Alonso started his career in kart racing at the age of three. He became world karting champion at 15 in 1996.
He made his Formula One debut in 2001, and will race from November 21-23 at Yas Marina Circuit, at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
mcroucher@thenational.ae
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Teaching in coronavirus times
The Facility’s Versatility
Between the start of the 2020 IPL on September 20, and the end of the Pakistan Super League this coming Thursday, the Zayed Cricket Stadium has had an unprecedented amount of traffic.
Never before has a ground in this country – or perhaps anywhere in the world – had such a volume of major-match cricket.
And yet scoring has remained high, and Abu Dhabi has seen some classic encounters in every format of the game.
October 18, IPL, Kolkata Knight Riders tied with Sunrisers Hyderabad
The two playoff-chasing sides put on 163 apiece, before Kolkata went on to win the Super Over
January 8, ODI, UAE beat Ireland by six wickets
A century by CP Rizwan underpinned one of UAE’s greatest ever wins, as they chased 270 to win with an over to spare
February 6, T10, Northern Warriors beat Delhi Bulls by eight wickets
The final of the T10 was chiefly memorable for a ferocious over of fast bowling from Fidel Edwards to Nicholas Pooran
March 14, Test, Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe by six wickets
Eleven wickets for Rashid Khan, 1,305 runs scored in five days, and a last session finish
June 17, PSL, Islamabad United beat Peshawar Zalmi by 15 runs
Usman Khawaja scored a hundred as Islamabad posted the highest score ever by a Pakistan team in T20 cricket
