Yas Marina Circuit welcomed Manchester City’s Head of Sports Medicine, Dr Max Sala, to test his metal at the weekly TrainYAS by Daman’s ActiveLife event on Wednesday.

Dr Sala, who is currently training for the Race Across America, was able to continue his fitness regime during his Abu Dhabi trip with the Premier League leaders.

The RAAM Challenge, which has to be completed within 12 days, will see him cycle 3,000 miles across 12 states, climbing a staggering 53,340 metres in the process.

“I can’t afford any long breaks in my training regime or this could result in a de-training effect which would be detrimental for me,” he said.

“I try my best to plan my training around our busy demands of the season even during overseas trips like this week.”

The team’s head medic, who is visiting the emirate as part of Manchester City’s warm weather training camp, also welcomed the opportunity to train in more realistic temperature ranges that he will experience on his racing journey from Oceanside California in California and ending at City Dock Annapolis, Maryland.

He added: “The heat will allow me to push up the intensity of my training, which can really help me prepare for hot conditions during the race across America.

“During the race there will be sections where the temperature is likely to rise significantly into the high 40°C range, even peaking at 50°C.

“Training in these warm conditions this week will give my cardiovascular fitness a big boost.”