Joined
·
2,846 Posts
I haven't been able to make too much progress on my World Proxy entry I'm ashamed to say, as this past week was quite hectic but admittedly rather enjoyable.
First up was the launch of the A1 Grand Prix series.
![]()
Dubbed the "World Cup of Motor Sport" and sanctioned by the FIA, the A1 GP series commences in 2005, with races in Dubai, Turkey, Egypt, Bahrain, Australia, China, Japan, Malaysia, South Africa and Qatar. Thirty of the beautiful custom-designed single-seater A1 GP cars are being built by Lola, with the 3.5 liter 485 bhp engines being supplied by Langford. The A1 car weighs 600kg, without the driver and fuel.
In an unique concept, the cars will be franchised to various nations, so countries - rather than companies - can compete for glory. The organisers claim it will be one of the most competitive motor sports series in the world, with the skill of the driver the absolute focus.
The series was launched in lavish style at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, overlooking the Gulf and Dubai's landmark Burj al-Arab the world's tallest and most luxurious hotel.
The next day I attended the launch of the Dubai Autodrome, which is part of the recently launched Dubailand project, sprawling across 2 billion square feet, creating a city of adventure, thrills, fun and fine living within the city of Dubai. Along with other projects, it aims to create a world destination for tourism, entertainment and leisure.
Located just 10 minutes from central Dubai, the Dubai Autodrome will have an area of approximately 3 sq. km. Being Dubai, the 5.93 km FIA-approved Grand Prix circuit has the most spectacular facilities imaginable.
The gala dinner was held in conjunction with the Ayrton Senna Foundation. Viviane Senna, Ayrton Senna's sister, addressed the audience and guests were asked to put their hands in their pockets in aid of the charity, during the auction of collectors items that were donated by the Senna family and other sports and motorsports personalities. Up for auction were items such as an Ayrton Senna's crash helmets, three limited edition Tag Heuer Link Senna watches donated by the Senna family, as well as other sporting items such as signed football shirts from Real Madrid stars Raul, Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, Figo, Zidane and David Beckham.
Then it was off to Bahrain for the F1 Grand Prix. The track and facilities are absolutely superb and the organisation was fantastic. Bahrain did themselves proud. There were no problems with the sand nor the heat, although I think that the sun fried Ralf Schumacher's brain, judging by the way he was driving.
If you ignored the fact that Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello were romping away from the field a couple of miles down the road, we had a real race from third place down, with plenty of overtaking. A really great event.
Here's a picture of myself and my friend Anastasia trying out the back seat of Schumacher's Ferrari:-
![]()
Kind regards
Russell
First up was the launch of the A1 Grand Prix series.
Dubbed the "World Cup of Motor Sport" and sanctioned by the FIA, the A1 GP series commences in 2005, with races in Dubai, Turkey, Egypt, Bahrain, Australia, China, Japan, Malaysia, South Africa and Qatar. Thirty of the beautiful custom-designed single-seater A1 GP cars are being built by Lola, with the 3.5 liter 485 bhp engines being supplied by Langford. The A1 car weighs 600kg, without the driver and fuel.
In an unique concept, the cars will be franchised to various nations, so countries - rather than companies - can compete for glory. The organisers claim it will be one of the most competitive motor sports series in the world, with the skill of the driver the absolute focus.
The series was launched in lavish style at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, overlooking the Gulf and Dubai's landmark Burj al-Arab the world's tallest and most luxurious hotel.
The next day I attended the launch of the Dubai Autodrome, which is part of the recently launched Dubailand project, sprawling across 2 billion square feet, creating a city of adventure, thrills, fun and fine living within the city of Dubai. Along with other projects, it aims to create a world destination for tourism, entertainment and leisure.
Located just 10 minutes from central Dubai, the Dubai Autodrome will have an area of approximately 3 sq. km. Being Dubai, the 5.93 km FIA-approved Grand Prix circuit has the most spectacular facilities imaginable.
The gala dinner was held in conjunction with the Ayrton Senna Foundation. Viviane Senna, Ayrton Senna's sister, addressed the audience and guests were asked to put their hands in their pockets in aid of the charity, during the auction of collectors items that were donated by the Senna family and other sports and motorsports personalities. Up for auction were items such as an Ayrton Senna's crash helmets, three limited edition Tag Heuer Link Senna watches donated by the Senna family, as well as other sporting items such as signed football shirts from Real Madrid stars Raul, Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, Figo, Zidane and David Beckham.
Then it was off to Bahrain for the F1 Grand Prix. The track and facilities are absolutely superb and the organisation was fantastic. Bahrain did themselves proud. There were no problems with the sand nor the heat, although I think that the sun fried Ralf Schumacher's brain, judging by the way he was driving.
If you ignored the fact that Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello were romping away from the field a couple of miles down the road, we had a real race from third place down, with plenty of overtaking. A really great event.
Here's a picture of myself and my friend Anastasia trying out the back seat of Schumacher's Ferrari:-
Kind regards
Russell
