An equal match
James Fryer straps himself in for a bit of hot tarmac action at the A1 Grand Prix, coming to Dubai Autodrome this month.
A1 Grand Prix has sped it’s way through some of the world’s finest racing tracks: Great Britain’s Brands Hatch, Germany’s EuroSpeedway, Portugal’s Circuito Estoril, Australia’s Eastern Creek and Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit. And guess where the first-ever World Cup of Motorsport is heading next? As if we weren’t spoilt enough with the UAE Desert Challenge and FIA GT Championship last month, Dubai Autodrome will play host to the A1 Grand Prix on December 11.
Following the summer sun around the globe, Dubai’s event is the sixth instalment in a calendar line-up consisting of 12 racing weekends, all occurring outside the traditional motor sports season. The A1 Grand Prix is arguably the first opportunity in any area of motorsport for nations to compete with other nations on an equal basis. Up to 25 national teams take to the track with identical cars, all without any electronic driver aids. Performance is, as such, determined by human bravery, skill and excellence over straightforward financial input.
In the same format as the five races which paved the way for the Dubai spectacle, the event will take place over a three day period from Friday to Sunday. On day one the race cars will be hitting Dubai Autodrome for two official practice sessions each lasting an hour. Day two includes the final practice followed by a qualifying session with teams competing for the fastest lap times over 15 minute periods. Day three sees a sprint race to determine the grid order when the drivers unleash their cars’ fury for a full hour of crowd-thrilling action, bar the compulsory pit stop, of course. The event is sure to be a spectator extravaganza not to be missed.
A1 Grand Prix Dubai Race, December 9 to 11, Dubai Autodrome. Tickets start from around Dhs 30. www.a1gp.com.
The guess list
Just who is coming to DIFF this year?
99% Morgan Freeman
Now rated at a whopping 99 per cent, Freeman is set to make an appearance following the release of his latest film – the excellent Edison.
90% Justin Timberlake
Is there another rumour doing the rounds? Our guess is that Morgan Freeman, JT’s Edison co-star, will pack the boy wonder along with him.
89% Joaquin Phoenix
Possibly JP’s finest performance yet as The Man In Black in this year’s Walk The Line – we’re putting our money on him strolling into town.
75% Desperate Housewives
Yep, that’s right, all of them. Just remember you heard it here first.
65% Angelina Jolie
If she comes – and we’re counting on it – we’re willing to put good money on Brad showing up also. We’re expecting some outrageous public displays of affection from the Hollywood honeys.
55% Shahrukh Khan
Bollywood’s leading man is a fairly safe bet.
50% Dustin Hoffman
Guess List spies have been hearing rumours all around town – is he coming or is it just his Terry O’Neill portrait that’s making an appearance at the Madinat?
49% Keira Knightley
The gorgeous minx with the posh voice is the hottest thing around at the moment.
11% David Hasselhoff
The rumourmongers are a bit vague on this one, but we sense method in their madness. You’re laughing now, you’ll be screaming later – at Dubai Autodrome hopefully.