David Richards CBE, Chairman of Prodrive and Chairman of Motorsport UK and Dr Susan E Saxton, American University of Bahrain’s (AUBH) Founding President recently discussed potential joint initiatives during the former’s visit to AUBH’s 75,000-sq-m campus in Riffa.

The talks included internships and scholarships, short programs, speaker series and other events which would offer AUBH students the opportunity to enhance creativity, ingenuity and problem-solving skills and fulfil their motorsport and racing passion in a variety of collaborative activities in the GCC, in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

The visit from David Richards followed the recent completion of the Dakar Rally, which saw Bahrain debut its national team; Bahrain Raid Xtreme (BRX). Finishing 5th overall in the famous event, BRX adds an exciting new chapter to the Kingdom’s heritage in motorsport.

Dr Saxton stated: “We envision the AUBH campus a home for Prodrive that promotes the company's creativity and expertise in motorsport, and also fosters a great passion of our students, who always look forward to the racing events in Bahrain. They will be elated to combine their educational experience with Prodrive's offerings!"

Richards commented:  “AUBH and Prodrive are very much aligned in their thinking, the scope for ideas is limitless, and transcends industries and territories, which is why we are so pleased to have met with Dr. Saxton today.”

Prodrive is a world-leading motorsport and advanced technology business. Since 1984, Prodrive has won six FIA World Rally titles; five Le Mans titles; four British Touring Car titles and six FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) titles.

Prodrive is currently competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship with Aston Martin Racing and supporting a number of customer programs around the world. Mr. Richards also led the development of motorsport in the Middle East, organizing the very first rally in the region, in Kuwait in 1976. Most recently, the Prodrive run Bahrain Xtreme team has achieved the best result for any team debuting on the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia. – TradeArabia News Service