Abu Dhabi aims for MotoGP round in 2012
Added on Monday, March 8th, 2010 by Carole Nash Editor
Abu Dhabi aims for MotoGP round in 2012
Abu Dhabi could host a MotoGP event from 2012 as part of a plan to put the emirate at the centre of the racing world, the region’s motorsports chief has confirmed.
After successfully hosting its first Formula One event last season and securing a WRC candidature event for 2010, Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management (ADMM) CEO Richard Cregan is eager to complete the hat-trick of major events by attracting MotoGP, with talks already underway with Dorna Sports boss Carmelo Expeleta.
“MotoGP boss Carmelo Ezpeleta was here last and the track designer Hermann Tilke will be coming up with a proposal in the next couple of weeks,” Cregan told the Khaleej Times on Sunday. “But it will take time. We are looking at a time frame of maybe two to three years when Abu Dhabi will be able to host a MotoGP round.”
It is believed that the Yas Marina circuit, which hosted the F1 season finale in 2009, will provide the basis of any MotoGP track although the proximity of stands and buildings in certain parts of the circuit means that modifications would be required in order to satisfy FIM safety regulations.
“MotoGP is one thing which I’m very passionate about. I would love to see MotoGP come to Abu Dhabi in two to three years time. It would be fantastic.
“The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) has brought the World Rally Championship (WRC) candidature event to Abu Dhabi, with the aim of becoming an official WRC event in 2011. And with a MotoGP race, Abu Dhabi will become a real hotspot for motorsport.”
