The Dubai Autodrome held the first stage track “Driving Experience” at the Race & Driving School, the first of its kind in the Middle East, on June 16 and 17. Two sessions were held on each day and 60 drivers participated in total. Stage 1 offers a variety of driving sensations behind the wheel of performance cars.
The “Driving Experience” begins with a 20minute classroom briefing that comprises driving techniques needed to drive a car quickly and safely around the circuit, followed by intensive hands-on instruction by the Dubai Autodrome staff that consists of a talented team of instructors with an extensive racing background and the best driving skills in the region.
Instructors then take participants over three laps to show the racing line, and teach braking and cornering techniques, which will definitely improve their daily driving on the roads. Applicants then take the wheel for five laps around the circuit to adapt to the car and the circuit environment, and then a further five laps. Then they all go on a fast lap to show people the driving technique required for high-speed circuits.
"The four sessions we organized were fully booked and featured 60 participants in total. Some people came to the Race School to become better and more confident drivers and others came to live a dream. We believe that Stage 1 track “Driving Experience” provides the type of training useful for today’s driving conditions. In this stage race enthusiasts learn car control techniques such as braking, cornering and accelerating in an enjoyable driving environment,” says Joe Chedid, from the Race & Driving School at the Dubai Autodrome.
“I am here for the thrill and action, during a 20 minute classroom session, we were told how to properly hold the steering wheel, the importance of looking further ahead, how to take the corners and to select the proper gear to accelerate out of the corner. On paper it seemed very easy, but driving on the track was a completely different thrill. The drive was very exciting and I am already looking forward to another “Driving Experience,” said Marco Caporilli.
“I enjoyed myself immensely. The “Driving Experience” was great, we learned a lot from the theoretical and practical lessons, I look forward to more of them,” said Faysal Itani.
“We want people to improve their driving skills and at the same time enjoy circuit driving. We will be hosting Stage 1 track “Driving Experience” throughout the summer months and soon after we’ll be adding additional experiences including a race training program, added Joe Chedid.
The race and driving school features a range of performance cars including the Audi A3, A4, S4 and the Subaru Impreza WRX STi with 150 bhp to 350 bhp under the hood. All vehicles are equipped with Bridgestone tyres to cope with cornering and handling performance of the vehicle.
The school also offers a perfect place for any corporate event. Ideal for small, medium or large groups (10 -100 people), the Race & Driving School can develop tailored corporate motorsports programs to meet specific needs.
The Dubai Autodrome is the region's first fully integrated motorsports facility. The complex, a part of the Union Properties Motorcity development, not only includes an FIA sanctioned 5.39km circuit, which offers six different configurations, but also incorporates a Race & Driving school and a CIK approved Karting track. Officially inaugurated in October 2004 when it hosted the final round of the FIA GT Championship, the Dubai Autodrome is designed to accommodate all types of motosports events from world class to local. This multi-purpose complex also serves as an ideal setting for concerts and corporate events, whether conferences, seminars, or motoring exhibitions.
Built to world-class standards, the Dubai Autodrome offers manufacturers and racing teams a perfect location for testing, prototype development, vehicle demonstrations, product launches, driver training, and hot weather car research for international manufacturers.
