Build-up to Toyo Tires 24 Hours of Dubai at Dubai Autodrome
Dubai Autodrome is a hive of activity as teams start final preparations

Dubai, January 06, 2009: The Dubai Autodrome paddock and pit garage area was a hive of activity today as team crews start their final preparations for this weekend’s Toyo Tires 24 Hours of Dubai which starts with practice and qualifying on Thursday (8 January) and the race itself being flagged off, the following day at 2pm on Friday.

Over 80 containers with 150 tons of cars, spares and equipment were unpacked as drivers and teams from 40 different countries turn the Dubai Autodrome into their “home away from home” for the next several days. A myriad of different marques, including Ferraris, Jaguars, Porsches, BMWs, Mitsubishis, Renaults, Nissans, Volkswagens, SEATs, Audis and the like were unloaded along with a massive amount of spares and tools.

Gerrie Williams of Creventic BV, organisers of the event, said, “This is the fourth time we have come to Dubai and it is a pleasure to return as things happen smoothly and without hassle. It helps that we have been here before and each year it gets easier and easier.”

The unloading and pit allocation for teams was undertaken in the manner of a military exercise to ensure everyone’s satisfaction and that all teams are in place and ready for the first practice session at 1.15pm on Thursday. This will be followed by a two hour qualification session starting at 3pm. As a large portion of the race takes place at night, a practice session will take place between 6pm to 8.30pm to allow drivers and teams to work under night conditions.