MotoGp star Jorge Lorenzo will be one of the star attractions this weekend as Yas Marina Circuit gears up to host the Gulf 12 Hours race.
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Spain’s Lorenzo is a two-time MotoGP champion, in 2010 and 2012, and finished third in the 2014 competition.
This weekend he will be teaming up with Australian Liam Talbot behind the wheel of a Kessel Racing, Monster Energy backed Ferrari 458 GT3.
The Gulf 12 Hours is being run in two six-hour stints, one in the day and another under the lights at night, and with tickets still available you can see how Lorenzo copes with the transition from two wheels to four.
Since its first edition in January 2012, the event has grown in popularity with the best GT teams and cars taking part – and this year will be no different.
Besides the Gulf 12 Hours, the weekend’s programme will also include the Audi R8 LMS Cup, Maserati Trofeo MC International and, for the first time, the Toyota TRD 86 Cup.
If the packed racing schedule isn’t enough to keep the visitors entertained, the Yas Marina Circuit will be hosting an array of off-track entertainment including garage tours, a chance to meet the drivers and children’s play areas.
Faisal Al Sahlawi, head of business development at Yas Marina Circuit, said: “People can get engaged with the drivers, the team and see how the competition is run.
“They can also get an opportunity to get close up with the cars and have the chance to take pictures with the cars and drivers.
“It’s a very nice racing weekend. You will have the freedom to move around and there’s a great line-up with more than 100 cars hitting the track at one of the most stunning circuits in the world.”
While there will be drivers of all different nationalities, the UAE will be represented by Khaled Al Qubaisi of Team Black Falcon by Abu Dhabi Racing. Al Qubaisi, along with his team-mates Jeroen Bleekemolen and Bernd Schneider, tasted title glory last season.
Since then, the Emirati hasn’t been behind his Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 because of commitments at the World Endurance Championship, but he is looking forward to returning to the capital.
“I will be able to adapt to the car during the practice sessions,” said Al Qubaisi. “I know the car a lot from before, so it’s just a matter of getting the feel back of the SLS AMG again.”
And the Abu Dhabi resident admits his team is braced for a tough challenge and will have to be at their best if they want to retain their championship.
“It will never be easy,” he said. “These are tough competitions with very well-known international teams and top level drivers.
“Participating in a full season in the World Endurance Championship in the company of some of the best helps.
“But at the Gulf 12 Hours also you have top level drivers, many more cars and a higher level of competition, including two factory-run cars with full line ups.”
Tickets cost Dh50 and can be bought at ticket booths at the circuit or by calling 800 YAS (927).
Venue: Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi
What: Gulf 12 Hours
When: Friday and Saturday.From 09:15 (Friday) and 09:00 (Saturday)
Contact: www.yasmarinacircuit.com