Gulf 12 Hours Set For Abu Dhabi

Online, August 5, 2011 (Newswire.com) - The new Gulf 12 Hours endurance race is set to take place this coming winter at the Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi.

The event will end at night under the sparkling lights and magical atmosphere that made the final Grand Prix of the 2009 and 2010 Formula 1 seasons so unique.

The invitation-only event aims to support the continued, sustainable growth of motorsport in the United Arab Emirates whilst attracting a wider variety of teams and drivers to the region, without negatively impacting the Dubai 24 Hours.

The race is open to a maximum of 48 cars from GT2 to GT4, one make series like the Porsche Cup and Ferrari Challenge, CN2 sports cars and a limited number of touring cars.

The innovative sporting regulations makes the race suitable for serious teams with no previous experience in races longer than 6 hours and for cars not specifically designed for endurance races. A centralized logistics service will take care of the transportation of cars and equipment between Europe or Asia and the UAE.

The event will be the first endurance race held at Yas Island.

The Gulf 12 Hours is promoted by Driving Force Events, a company directed by Andrea Ficarelli, former head of communications at the Benetton and Toyota Formula 1 teams.

Andrea Ficarelli said: "Over several months we conducted thorough market research with teams, drivers and other promoters; we found a 12 hour race in the region was an attraction to European and Asian teams otherwise unwilling to take part in something longer.

"This confirmed a space to introduce a new, successful endurance event, targeting a group of competitors who wouldn't have considered racing in the Middle East previously."

Further information for racing teams and drivers will be released in the coming days. Spectator information will be released this autumn.

Teams and drivers should register their interest in taking part at www.gulf12hours.com

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