Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina Circuit will host some of the biggest international motorsports events in the next few months apart from the the Formula One Grand Prix, the circuit's CEO.

Richard Cregan, speaking on the final day of the Yasalam Mastering Motorsport F1 seminars at Zayed University, explained to around 200 Emirati students the passion needed to develop the sport in the region.

Cregan also gave an overview of the $40 billion Yas Island project to the students as he explained what the facilities will offer for them for the majority of the year, other than the largest motorsport event on Yas Marina Circuit’s calendar- the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

He said: “For instance, the drag racing centre will open early in 2010 with a very special event. We are well aware there’s a great hunger for speed in the UAE and we are committed to nurturing this passion in a safe environment.”

“This week we welcomed journalists from around the world to the circuit where they experienced being a passenger in a two-seater F1-style car. Sitting behind a professional driver, they encountered breathtaking speeds that they will never forget. We are sure this activity will be a big hit with visitors and residents alike.
 
“Yas Marina Circuit will play its part to ensure important messages about Yas Island and Abu Dhabi go out to the world from the Grand Prix, making sure it has an impact and attracts increasing numbers of visitors, showcasing the Capital as an even more attractive destination of choice.
 
“Royalty, heads of state, celebrities, teams and drivers, business guests, media and volunteers will all attend at the Grand Prix and are important. However, above all we need to ensure international spectators have a memorable experience and go home feeling the warm Emirati welcome. Ultimately, Formula One fans from around the world would leave on Sunday night excited and looking forward to coming back next year.

“Everyone can look forward to seeing local and international events at the circuit all year round. It is a world class facility and we will integrate it with the community, creating many jobs in the process, Yas Marina Circuit has been developed for the people of Abu Dhabi and the UAE. There’s no restriction to what we will use the facility for, the only restriction is our imagination. We will look at and consider anything and any events. It’s a truly great stadium, venue and meeting place and we need to ensure its use is maximised for the future.

“The opportunities for local Emiratis are fantastic; you need to be truly passionate and driven and want to be part of a team. This is the ultimate opportunity to develop world class skills in a variety of disciplines.

“Everyone in Yas Marina Circuit has a passion for motorsport and we can help develop it. It’s not a nine-to-five job – it needs real commitment and professionalism to deliver something this big. It’s a privilege for us all to work in this industry, we need to work hard to reach goals and excel in both our lives and our careers,” said Cregan. - TradeArabia News Service