Emirati riders to be in fray for Formula 4 UAE Championship

Abu Dhabi - Formula 4 will be launched next month by the FIA and its national affiliate the Automobile and Touring Club UAE

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the highlight event in the Yas Marina Circuit's 2016-17 calendar but all eyes and talks were on the FIA-accredited Formula 4 UAE Championship - the first of its kind in the Middle East and Africa region.
Formula 4 will be launched next month by the FIA and its national affiliate the Automobile and Touring Club UAE - the championship's promoter.
The event will see local faces challenge for glory, said Automobile and Touring Club UAE president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
"Few Emirati riders are confirmed. As of now we have 12 riders on the grid but can't put a number on local riders."
Can we expect a local champion some day?
"Yes, unless we have a local champion or hero there won't be a following for the sport. Is any national interested in cricket? No. That is because we don't have a hero. I heard a story that ticket sales for Spanish Grand Prix were only 75 per cent but once they had Fernando Alonso as champions things changed. Same thing can happen here too. It is definitely doable but we need a plan."
"As they say failing to plan is planning to fail. So, we can have champions here too but we have to work seriously. Water comes down the hill, it doesn't go up," former international rally driver said.
On challenges ahead, he said: "Formula 4 is a responsibility as we have to ensure the interest of the people can be sustained."
Arab motorsport's leading figure said the government must do more to support the sport grow.
"The government should plan in a better to encourage motorsport among the local and expat population. We need to encourage youth academy too."
Meanwhile, Yas Marina Circuit head of strategic affairs Ahmed Al Kaabi said the Formula One event is going to be a 'thrilling' and 'exceptional' one.
On the preparations for the November event, he said: "Logistics is always hard but we are used to this and look forward to it. Our preparations so far have been perfectly nice."
Regarding the F4, he said: "It's a step forward for the young drivers to give them an ambition to be a Formula One driver. And an Emirati is expected to excel."
Formula 4 consists of a series of 18 rounds run over six separate weekends - the majority of which will take place at Yas Marina Circuit.
The 2016-17 local motorsport season will also see the debut of all-new events including Lamborghini Trofeo, TCR Middle East and Ferrari MEA alongside the return of the TRD 86 Cup. UAE Rotax Max Challenge will also be back to delight karting fans. There are more than 377 activities scheduled over the next 12 months.
Yas Marina Circuit CEO Al Tareq Al Ameri said in statement: "Whether you are a motorsport or racing enthusiast or like to challenge yourself at our unique venue, we will continue to provide the biggest and best sporting and entertainment opportunities in the region."
Abu Dhabi Sports Council general secretary Aref Al Awani said the council is keen on developing strategic partnership with Yas Marina Circuit. "The objectives of this calendar are in line with to our plans at ADSC in terms of community sports."
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com