Abu Dhabi, UAE - Renault GCC and the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi will enter into a three year partnership starting January 1st, 2011 that will see the circuit utilize iconic models from the range of Renault vehicles for driving courses. The partnership will also be extended in the future to provide cars for VIP hosting at the circuit.
The partnership was signed at the Renault F1 team suite at the Yas Marina Circuit during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Signing the partnership was Mr Mustansir Lakdawala, Managing Director of Renault GCC, Mr Jerome Stoll, Executive Vice President and Worldwide Commercial Director for Renault Group, Mr Richard Cregan, Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management and Yas Marina Circuit CEO, and Mr Malek Al Rashedi, Senior Director Corporate Governance for Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management and Yas Marina Circuit, sealed the link up that will see Renault vehicles exclusively at the circuit.
Lakdawala said: "We are extremely excited about the partnership between Renault GCC and the Yas Marina Circuit.
"The race circuit has become phenomenally well known already, after hosting its inaugural Formula One Grand Prix in 2009, which was incredibly well received by the motorsport community and by racing fans alike; the same was true of the 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. So it's an unbelievable opportunity for Renault to become an integral partner in the Yas Marina Circuit experience. Both companies are committed to 'Drive the Change' by setting new standards, so it makes our partnership quite natural" he said.
"Some of Renault's core vehicles can be experienced at the circuit, giving people a first hand impression of Renault car's quality, safety and performance, which people in the region may not have had the chance to discover yet."
Steven Umfreville, Commercial Director of Yas Marina circuit, said: "At Yas Island we are dedicated to providing the ultimate driving experience to our visitors, and by forming this partnership with Renault GCC we are really confirming this.
"Renault's base line of 'Drive the Change' is something we see great merit in, and we believe that we follow a similar train of thought here at Yas, so by introducing Renault vehicles we are helping to craft a new experience for people to discover," he commented.
"We also think all Renault customers who purchase one of the superb models we will be operating at Yas Marina Circuit, should be able to come and find out exactly how special an experience it is here. So Renault GCC and Yas Marina Circuit are offering any Renault GCC customer purchasing one of the two models in use here, will receive 20% discount at Yas Marina Circuit," he added.
The partnership commences on January 1st 2011 with seven Clio Renault Sport and four Laguna Coupés available at the stunning marina race circuit. The exciting and involving Renault Clio Renault Sport, with 203hp and 215Nm coming from the 2.0L four cylinder engine wrapped up in a compact and lightweight body, has been chosen as the Yas Racing & Driving School's primary training vehicle. The handling, performance and driver-friendly qualities of the car make it ideal for driving instruction; the latest Renault hot hatch will be the car clients get behind the wheel of before any other vehicle.
The Clio Renault Sport will be fully used across all driver training disciplines, including one-to-one tuition, junior driver training in addition to being the car of choice for the training vehicle on the skid pan and vehicle dynamics area. Yas Marina Circuit will also use the car as the test vehicle for FIA Competition Licensing.
The other current Renault model that can also be experienced is the stylish Renault Laguna coupe, with the intelligent 4-wheel steering system "4Control". This system offers superb handling and stability, with improved precision and response to steering input. The electronically controlled system ensures the Laguna Coupe corners unbelievably, keeping the car stable and very easy to control either at low or high speed. Linked to the ABS and ESP systems, the 4Control system adds to the safety of the vehicle, meaning the car is even more responsive in emergency situations. The Laguna Coupe will feature as an advanced driving course car at the Yas Racing & Driving School, in addition to being the primary corporate event car at the handling area. The sleek coupe will also be the medium-speed lap car for VIPs and media and a race school course car.
Lakdawala said: "The choice of Renault cars highlights the strengths of the range in terms of performance, technology, safety and comfort, and with the Renault Sport models in particular, the link to F1 technology. Renault is at the forefront of Formula One technology, supplying the engines to the 2010 Formula One constructors' champions, Red Bull Racing-Renault, in addition to the Renault F1 team. Red Bull Racing-Renault also triumphed in the drivers' championship, with Sebastian Vettel racing to his maiden championship as he won the Abu Dhabi GP at Yas Marina Circuit. This means the technology found in the cars is cutting edge, truly helping to deliver an exceptional drive."
For more information, please contact:
Andrew Kennedy / Sura Manhal / Anthony Fernandes
a.kennedy@polaris-me.com / s.manhal@polaris-me.com / a.fernandes@polaris-me.com
Polaris Public Relations
Dubai, UAE
Tel: +9714-34155 55
Fax: +9714-3415588
Zohra M'Salka
Communication Manager
Renault GCC
zohra.m-salka@renault.com
© Press Release 2010
