UAE Rotax MAX Challenge Round 10 & 11 Preview
RACE MEETING PREVIEW
UAE karting makes history next weekend when the UAE Rotax MAX Challenge heads to Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, for rounds 10 and 11 of the 2012/13 season. Never before has a national karting championship run on (part of) a Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit. Yas Marinas’ “handling circuitâ€, which is situated in front of the impressive North Grandstand, will be the fourth circuit on the calendar, joining the likes of Al Ain Raceway, Dubai Kartdrome and Al Forsan.
Due to the prestige of this inaugural event, race entries are set to be at an all time high, with over 75 entrants expected. ADMM Motorsports Manager, Saud Al Qaydi, is looking forward to welcoming the series: “Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management is very happy to be able to host rounds ten and eleven of the UAE Rotax Max Challenge 2012/2013 series here at the Yas Marina Circuit. We are very proud to be able to help and be part of promoting grass roots racing here in the UAE.†He went on to say that “We are all looking forward to two fantastic days of racing. We hope to be able to welcome the championship and team’s back again next season, and hopefully that will encourage more growth at this level of motorsport.â€
As far as the track action is concerned, Oliver George will be looking to get back to winning ways after being beaten by title rival Sanad Al Rawahi at Dubai three weeks ago. He will be hoping that his gearbox holds up as the Yas Marina circuit will certainly put the karts under intense strain. Al Rawahi needs to win both rounds if he is to keep his title hopes alive.
Philippe Valenza now leads the 125 MAX class from Abdullah Al Rawahi. The title is a four-way fight, with both Alex Silanine and Piers Pakenham-Walsh both still in contention. Ameer Hassan will go into rounds 10 and 11 as a favourite but is not involved in the championship battle. Duncan Foster will be hoping to score big to strengthen his position in the MAX Masters band.
In the junior classes, Pasqual Pook will have to work hard if he is to hold off the on-form Taymour Kermanshahchi while Tehmur Chohan is expected to dominate the Mini MAX class once more. Sem Knopjes stands effectively undefeated in Micro MAX and next weekend is expected to be no different.
Meanwhile, everyone will have received an email pertaining to the specific details of the event. There are crucial details relating to the Yas Marina waiver forms, hotel rates and set-up times. If you have not received the email from Gina then please contact her immediately.
Because Yas Marina is a thriving, successful circuit, the track is unavailable for testing on Thursday 21st March. The first run of karts will be on the Friday morning, but since everyone will be in the same position the odds will be even.
Racing takes place on both Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd March at Yas Marina Circuit, Follow signs for the “Race School.†Spectators are welcome.
Martin Fullard
| FURTHER INFORMATION |
| Rounds 10 and 11 of the UAE RMC at Yas Marina Circuit will involve a different procedure to that which people are used to. There are some points that drivers and entrants should be aware of. Please read on for details. |
| YAS WAIVERS: |
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All drivers, Bambino pushers and media personnel must sign a new waiver on each of the two race days. You can print the waiver yourself (link below) and have it ready with all the details filled out in advance. |
| However, you must put your signature on the form in front of YMC personnel on the day. If you have already pre-signed it you will need to sign again. |
| • YAS Waiver Indemnity – Drivers 18+ years |
| • YAS Waiver Indemnity – Drivers Under 18 years |
| CIRCUIT LAYOUT: |
| • Circuit Layout Map of YMC (Printable version) |
| HOTELS: |
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Al Ain Raceway, through the help of the ATC UAE, have been able to source decent hotel rates. |
| The Yas Island Rotana and Centro Yas Island will accommodate you. In order to benefit from the special rates you must contact Dulik Dushantha at res5.yasisland@rotana.com and state that you are with Al Ain Raceway. |
| THURSDAY SET-UP: |
| Those who wish to set their tents up on Thursday evening cannot just turn up. |
| You will only be able to set up between 16:00 and 20:00 in the North Grandstand Oasis. A map of the site will be made available soon. Access will not be permitted outside of these times. |
| The gates will open at 07:30 on Friday morning. |
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The paddock is nearer to the east entrance at Yas Marina, but access via the west gate is possible, too. Follow signs for the “Race Schoolâ€. |
