Apr03

Now Dubai enters the fray for GP

Dubai's skyline at twilight

The emirate of Dubai could host a Grand Prix.

The Gulf emirate of Dubai has emerged as the latest in the Middle East to be pushing for an F1 date after plans for the construction of a $27 million autodrome and business park were revealed by a property developer.

The complex will house the autodrome and business park around the Formula 1-standard circuit, which will be built to full FIA international specifications.

The five-kilometre (three-mile) track will be completed in 14 months, according to Anis al-Jallaf, chairman of Union Properties. Initial investments for the project came to "below 100 million dirhams," he said.

However, Paul Berger, director of Middle East Racing Services, said that although the track would meet Formula One standards, it was "not an application to host a F1 race" immediately, although it does hipe to attract international motorsport.

The Autodrome will put Dubai on the map with regard to international motor sports events.
Sheikh Mohammed

The autodrome, which will cover 7.5 sq kilometres (70 million sq feet) of land donated by Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, will also house a 1.2 kilometre (0.75 mile) indoor and outdoor go-karting track, an off-road driving course and a driver handling centre. The business park will have specifically designed warehouses to cater for the motoring and motor sports industry.

"This is a dream we've always been looking for," Jallaf said. "Not only are we offering the motoring community their own purpose-built area for racing and trading, but the Autodrome will put Dubai on the map with regard to international motor sports events."

"Our aim is to provide facilities to the highest international standards and at the same time, contribute towards educating and entertaining the community in all aspects of driving and motor racing," he added.

Fellow Gulf state Bahrain has also announced plans to construct a $79 million venue capable of hosting a Formula One race. That project, with final tender bids due in May, envisages construction of three circuits, a drag track and a main grandstand capable of holding 16,000 spectators.


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