9 October 2009
Cregan was at Mastering Motorsport, a two-day seminar by Formula One professionals from various segments of the industry. It is part of the Yasalam The Art of Racing initiative community outreach events which is a run-up to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix which will be held from October 30 to November 1.
It was organised by Flash Entertainment and sports marketing and communications specialists KHP Consulting with the aim of bringing the leading lights to the fans, helping the youth of Abu Dhabi understand the incredible opportunities that come with hosting a Formula One Grand Prix.
“The opportunities for local Emiratis are fantastic; you need to be truly passionate and driven and want to be part of a team. This is the ultimate opportunity to develop world class skills in a variety of disciplines,” Cregan said on Thursday, the second and final day of the seminar at the Zayed University which was attended by 200 students.
Cregan said that the Yas Marina Circuit will not just be hosting a Formula One race but also other local and international events through the year and it will give a chance for Emiratis to be a part of it.
“Everyone can look forward to seeing local and international events at the circuit all year round. It is a world class facility and we will integrate it with the community, creating many jobs in the process,” said Cregan.
He added: “Yas Marina Circuit has been developed for the people of Abu Dhabi and the UAE. There’s no restriction to what we will use the facility for, the only restriction is our imagination. We will look at and consider anything and any events. It’s a truly great stadium, venue and meeting place and we need to ensure its use is maximised for the future.”
Cregan also gave an overview of the $40 billion Yas Island project to the students. “We have some of the biggest international motorsports events coming up in the next few months as well the full spectrum of facilities open soon.
For instance, the drag racing centre will open early in 2010 with a very special event. We are well aware there’s a great hunger for speed in the UAE and we are committed to nurturing this passion in a safe environment,” Cregan said. And he said the only way forward was help develop the circuit even more. “Everyone in Yas Marina Circuit has a passion for motorsport and we can help develop it. It’s not a nine-to-five job — it needs real commitment and professionalism to deliver something this big.
It’s a privilege for us all to work in this industry, we need to work hard to reach goals and excel in both our lives and our careers,” he said.
Talking of one of the activities which took place at the Yas Marina Circuit, Cregan said: “This week we welcomed journalists from around the world to the circuit where they experienced being a passenger in a two-seater Formula One-style car. Sitting behind a professional driver, they encountered breathtaking speeds that they will never forget. We are sure this activity will be a big hit with visitors and residents alike. Yas Marina Circuit will play its part to ensure important messages about Yas Island and Abu Dhabi go out to the world from the Grand Prix, making sure it has an impact and attracts increasing numbers of visitors, showcasing the Capital as an even more attractive destination of choice.”
Cregan hoped visitors at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will experience the rich culture of the UAE. “Royalty, heads of state, celebrities, teams and drivers, business guests, media and volunteers will all attend at the Grand Prix and are important. However, above all we need to ensure international spectators have a memorable experience and go home feeling the warm Emirati welcome. Ultimately, Formula One fans from around the world would leave on Sunday night excited and looking forward to coming back next year,” Cregan said.
