UAE volunteers to ensure smooth running of GP

Emiratis will play a bigger than ever role in ensuring the safe and efficient running of this year's Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix. A record 130 UAE nationals are among the first batch of 420 volunteers who today begin intensive training as marshals for the showpiece event at the Yas Marina Circuit on November 4. It marks another milestone for the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE and its President, Mohammad Bin Sulayem, in the successful drive to become fully self sufficient in providing the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with a completely local-based team of marshals. When the race was first staged in 2009, half of the 700 marshals needed for the event had to be brought in from the UK because of a shortage of UAE-based volunteers with sufficient motor racing experience.By then the FIA Vice President had already implemented a comprehensive five-year plan to establish a permanent pool of UAE-based motorsport marshals to service the FI Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and the growing overall needs of motorsport in the Emirates. This was achieved two years ahead of schedule, and the ATCUAE's performance in demonstrating the highest standards of motor sport marshalling and training was officially recognised last year by the FIA, motor sport's world governing body, with the award of Regional Training Provider (RTP) status. Joining an elite group of only three other clubs worldwide, the ATCUAE became eligible to train other national motor sport authorities (ASNs).