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UAE’s F1 role in Russia set into motion

DUBAI — The UAE’s new role in preparing Russia for its debut in Formula One Racing will be the starting point for broader cooperation between the two countries on road safety and motoring consumer protection.

Phase one of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in Moscow on Monday between the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE and its Russian counterpart will see senior Russian officials and volunteers being trained in Abu Dhabi in preparation for the F1 Grand Prix of Russia in 2014.

Following the live, on-the-job training during the 2012 F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November, the ATCUAE will deliver a detailed evaluation of the additional training needs to ensure a safe and smooth entry for Russia into F1 racing.

The landmark MOU was signed by ATCUAE president Dr. Mohammed bin Sulayem and Lieutenant General Victor Kiryanov, president of the Russian Automobile Federation.

The signing was witnessed by the UAE Ambassador to the Russian Federation, Omer Saif Ghobash.

The agreement, which had originally been drafted to focus solely on F1, was extended at the request of General Kiryanov, who is also Russia’s Deputy Interior Minister and Chief of the Department of the State Road Safety Inspectorate (Traffic Police). In 2009, he received the FIA Academy’s annual World Prize for Road Safety, the Environment and Mobility.

As a result, the two national motorsport and motoring authorities will work together to develop new road safety initiatives, and find ways to simplify procedures for motoring tourists in Russia and the UAE when driving across borders.

The Club’s first priority as a result of the Moscow agreement is to provide a unique facility for the training of around 40 senior Russian officials and marshals at the 2012 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit from November 2-4.

The on-the-job training, delivered in conjunction with Abu Dhabi Motor Sport Management, will be conducted by a team of specialists from the Club’s training and education division, the Motorsport Knowledge Institute (MKI).

The Moscow agreement highlights the ATCUAE’s status as one of the world’s leading national motor sport and motoring authorities with acknowledged expertise in associated training, research and education.