Abu Dhabi, 15 February 2011 – CircuitPROdigital.com were in attendance today for the Yas Marina Circuit announcement of the names of 10 UAE Nationals who will be given the opportunity to attend the Formula Drift Academy.  The UAE drivers will be trained by world-class Formula D drift experts Michael Essa and Tony Brakiohapa in the art of drift racing and four of them could be selected to display their skills at the Formula Drift event at Yas Marina Circuit on 25th February.

Formula Drift is a US-based series where drivers manoeuvre their cars through a marked course at high speed and at close quarters into controlled sideways slides, known as ‘drifting’. A panel of judges award points for four elements: Speed, Line, Angle and Overall Impression. It takes place normally on a closed course or race track and is judged on execution and style rather than who finishes the course fastest. FYI – Public roads and highways are not advised, and various Police authorities around the world view this as anti-social behavior and it comes with heavy fines, penalties and even confiscation of your vehicle.

Sideways action on the North circuit with circuitprodigital.com

“The excitement of Formula Drift will have a broad appeal in the UAE, not only to core motorsports fans but to a much wider audience who simply want to enjoy great entertainment,” said Richard Cregan, Chief Executive Officer of Yas Marina Circuit.

“The car-handling skill of these drivers has to be seen to be believed. Our aim is to bring the very best of all world motorsport to Abu Dhabi, and drifting at this level will add a new dimension to the range of exciting events on offer here.”

Mohammed Habib, Bassam al Shaya, Fahed Al Loughani, Abdullah Habib, Murshed Al Romaithi, Yousef Al Romaithi, Ahmed Al Romaithi, Ahmed Omar, Ahmed Al Ameri, and Hamad Al Ameri-Formula Drift in Abu Dhabi

The 10 drivers who have been ‘selected’ will learn about drift vehicle preparation and setup before taking to the Yas Vehicle Dynamic Area for individual drift technique coaching sessions.  Four will then be earmarked for advanced coaching at the Yas Formula Drift circuit alongside a grid full of Formula Drift drivers, before demonstrating their art in front of the crowd at the Formula Drift event.

The lucky 10 drivers are Mohammed Habib, Bassam al Shaya, Fahed Al Loughani, Abdullah Habib, Murshed Al Romaithi, Yousef Al Romaithi, Ahmed Al Romaithi, Ahmed Omar, Ahmed Al Ameri, and Hamad Al Ameri.

“We are always looking for local talent in Abu Dhabi to be involved in motorsport,” he said. “This is a great chance to develop our future motorsport stars. Drift racing requires a high level of car control and concentration, and the visiting Formula Drift drivers are the ideal people to teach those skills”. said Richard Cregan, Chief Executive Officer of Yas Marina Circuit.

Attendees at the Formula Drift event will be able to hear a performance from the exclusive Formula Drift song, ‘Urban Skills’ , produced by Brvjnes to celebrate the event. The song will be performed LIVE by singer ‘Hisham’ and is available for free download here Urban Skills – FORMULA DRIFT and the Yas Marina Circuit website and Facebook page.

Tickets to Formula Drift at Yas Marina Circuit start from AED 50.  Children aged 12 and under are free when accompanied by a General Admission or Premium ticket holder.  To book or for more information call 800 YAS (927) or go to www.yasmarinacircuit.ae for details.