New Dubai circuit for October completion

The new Dubai Autodrome could be an option for winter F1 testing at the end of the current season. Dubai real estate developer Union Properties has given an October 2003 completion date for the FIA-specification 5km road circuit which it is building on land donated by the Crown Prince of the Gulf nation, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum. The project, announced last April, includes an hotel and a business park for automotive and motorsport companies

Mar 15, 2003, 11:31 AM

The Gulf nation is also planning to establish a motorsport academy on the site, including kart racing circuits. Union chairman Anis al-Jallaf said: "The Autodrome will put Dubai on the international motorsport map and will offer the motoring community their own purpose-built area for racing and trading. Our aim is to provide facilities to the highest international standards and, at the same time, contribute towards educating and entertaining the community in all aspects of motorsport and driving."

Dubai staged an international race meeting in December 1981 on a makeshift, 1.6-mile track at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, and has since established itself as a host of major rally-raid and cross-country events such as the UAE Desert Challenge. Its government-backed Autodrome project followed a visit by Formula One Management chief Bernie Ecclestone in 1999.