The GCC Young Drivers Academy program kicked off in the UAE on Monday after two extensive training days in Bahrain.

Promising young drivers were selected and nominated by motorsport governing bodies in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

This initiative was a key point on the agenda of the inaugural meeting of GCC Motorsport Committee, which took place earlier in March. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Automobile and Touring Club of UAE and President of EMSF, said: “The GCC YDA is an important addition in the development of local talented stars.

“This project was launched in collaboration with all concerned parties in the region and with the support of FIA as well as our partners Nissan and Arabian Automobiles, who share our passion of developing motorsport in the region.”

While the main focus will be on development and assessment of both circuit and rally driving skills, the course will also cover safety, social media skills and sports science.

Each country nominates two drivers aged between 15 and 21, and the UAE has nominated Amna Al Qubaisi and Saeed Al Ali, who contest against each other and ten drivers nominated by other GCC motorsport governing bodies.

Rally training started yesterday in UAE’s desert, utilising buggy type vehicles that can be used in the new regional cross-country rallies series, Gulf Challenge, which starts after the summer in the region. On Tuesday’s final day, the judges will select a winner and runner up.