Dubai, UAE, September 20, 2006: Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, HSBC and Dubai Autodrome have joined forces to find and groom UAE's next generation of young racing drivers. The HSBC Racing Academy will provide an advanced motor racing training program at Dubai Autodrome and three scholarship places at La Filliere Racing School in France.

UAE nationals, aged between 14-25 years, both male and female, will be granted a once in a lifetime opportunity to be trained by some of the best instructors in the region towards becoming professional drivers on an international level.

Mr. Saeed Khalfan, Chairman of the Dubai Autodrome, said: "The Academy's main objective is to find local drivers and train them to represent the UAE on an International level and this year, with the help of HSBC, we hope to attract more and more drivers and consequently increase the motor sport popularity in the UAE."

"HSBC is delighted to partner the Dubai Autodrome in the creation of the inaugural HSBC Racing Academy.  Our aim is two-fold.  We wish to promote the importance of good and safe driving techniques with these young drivers, at the same time help the Autodrome in their goal of one day producing a UAE national driver good enough to compete at Formula One level," said Niall Booker, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Bank Middle East Limited.

Last year's inaugural competition winners Hasher Al Maktoum, Mohammed Al Kamda and Faisal Al Redha have participated in the competitive Formula Renault Campus including extensive training Dubai Autodrome and LA FILIERE FFSA.

The HSBC Racing Academy selection process requires no previous race experience, just talent and a passion for motor sport. The HSBC Racing Academy program will be monitored by professional instructors and select drivers will be taught car racing techniques and road safety, both on and off the track. Those few who will get chosen will get to drive various cars such as Karts, Audi A3, Subaru Impreza WRX STi, GTS sports car and the Formula Dubai single-seater.

From the 1st -21st October 2006, the HSBC Racing Academy will conduct a challenging three-week selection where all applicants will be assessed against the clock at the Kartdrome. Each participant will be entitled to a free karting session and the 60 fastest lap times will progress to the phase 2 which will commence on Saturday October 28. The selected drivers will undergo a full day of practical training using the Audi A3 and the Subaru Impreza.

Phase 3 will take place on Saturday November 4, and the 30 selected drivers will be taught the basics of driving a manual car using the GTS sports car. Only the best 10 drivers will be selected to progress to phase 4 on Saturday November 6. These will be given instructions on all the basic skills needed to successfully drive a single-seater

racing car and will be assessed against the clock. At the end of this phase, three drivers will be selected to undergo continued training at Autodrome. The 2007 Drivers will be announced at the FIA GT Championship on November 18, 2006.

The training program will consist of driving training, fitness, nutrition, marketing, public relations and communications. The drivers will also gain competition experience in the Formula Renault Campus Championship series which includes racing on different circuits including Grand Prix and street circuits.  

For all those promising champions, this is truly an opportunity for fame and achievement. All UAE drivers aged 14-25 with no previous car racing experience wishing to enter should call Dubai Autodrome: 04-3678700. All entrants will need to produce their original proof of their UAE nationality. Entrants below 18 years will need to have a disclaimer signed by their parents.

-Ends-

About the Dubai Autodrome
Dubai Autodrome is the region's first fully-integrated motorsports facility. The Autodrome is a state-of-the-art complex featuring an FIA sanctioned 5.39 km track, There are six track permutations, with three of them being able to work simultaneously, giving unparalleled options for track users. The complex, part of the Union Properties MotorCity development, includes a Race & Driving School, a CIK-approved Kart track; is ideal for concerts and corporate entertainment. Dubai Autodrome also acts as a social destination and tourist attraction for overseas visitors.

For more information please call:
Richard Breiss
Dubai Autodrome
Tel: 00 971 4 3678700
Fax: 00 971 4 3678750
E-mail: richardb@dubaiautodrome.com
Website: www.dubaiautodrome.com

Joumana Tannous
Tamra C2
Tel: 00971 4 2951177
Fax: 00971 4 2951188
E-mail: joumana@tamra-c2.com

For more information on HSBC please call:
Ms Dina Kotby
Press and Communications Executive
HSBC Bank Middle East Limited
Tel: 04-3906634
Email: dinakotby@hsbc.com

© Press Release 2006