A new talented driver programme, the Yas Heat Racing Academy, was announced by Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management on Thursday which will unite all forms of junior motorsports development through a world-class programme to nurture grassroots motorsport talent in the UAE through a ‘talent first’ approach.
With the goal to produce homegrown drivers from the iconic Yas Marina Circuit and provide young talented drivers with a clear and defined pathway – from grassroots all the way up to the world stage of motorsports – the Yas Heat Racing Academy aims to inspire the next generation of local racing stars in the UAE to pursue their dream, from karting through to FIA-accredited competitions.
The academy’s circuit racing team, led by team manager, Matthew Norman will make its official debut at this year’s Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend in the F4 UAE exhibition races. Following the team’s first race weekend, it will then compete in the upcoming F4 UAE season held across the UAE and the Yas Racing Series, set to begin in December.
Saif Al Noaimi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management, said: “It is an honour to unveil the new Yas Heat Racing Academy, a brand-new programme with the objective of providing talented young drivers in the UAE with a world-class environment and clear pathway into motorsports – all the way from grassroots through to international competition on the world stage. We look forward to seeing our incredibly talented drivers on track and further establish Abu Dhabi as an innovative global leader on the world stage.”
The Yas Heat Racing cars will be driven for the first time at #AbuDhabiGP weekend by Keanu Al Azhari from Germany, and Matteo Quintarelli from Italy, following a test period with some of the UAE’s top young drivers.
