Toyo Tires 24 Hours of Dubai Press Conference
Period of silence for Gaza victims to take place shortly before the start of the race

Dubai, January 07, 2009: Dubai Autodrome Chairman Saeed Khalfan hosted a Press Conference today (Wednesday, 7 January) at Dubai Autodrome to welcome local and international media, teams and drivers to the fourth running of the Toyo Tires 24 Hours of Dubai which takes place at Dubai Autodrome this weekend with practice and qualifying taking place tomorrow (Friday, 9 January) and the race starting at 2pm on Saturday (10 January) and finishing the following day. The race is held under the patronage of Crown Prince of Dubai and the President of Dubai Autodrome His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

At the press conference Chairman Khalfan announced on behalf of the Dubai Autodrome Board, that shortly before the start on Friday, that there will be a two minute period of silence as a sign of respect for the innocent victims of violence in Gaza. The race will be started by FIA Vice President and ATCUAE President Mohammed Bin Sulayem who will drop the UAE flag to unleash a field of 80 cars on what should be an epic motor race.

Chairman Khalfan said, “As the world experiences a downturn in economic fortunes it is refreshing that over 80 teams are making the trip to our shores to compete in what is the first major international racing event of the year. It is a tribute to the strength of this event and the fortitude of the organisers Creventic. We, in turn, are confident that our state-of-the-art venue will once again accommodate everyone comfortably while providing a platform for high class racing.

On the grid will be Dubai based teams including a number of Emirati and GCC drivers which will fuel local interest. The quantity and quality of entries in itself will be a spectacle to behold as the cars line-up on the start grid. For local race fans admission to watch this world-class event is free with access to the paddock for those wanting to get a first hand feel of the excitement. The endurance race weekend atmosphere will be unique and in the tradition of great motorsport endurance events such as Le Mans, Daytona and Spa.”

A big crowd of local and international journalists attended the press conference which also saw some high profile motorsport names, who will be competing in the race, including the likes of former Grand Prix driver Johnny Herbert, top Formula One designer Adrian Newey, race circuit designer Herman Tilke to name some. Over 250 drivers from 40 different countries, ranging from amateurs to professionals, will partake in the event.

Chairman Khalfan concluded the press conference by saying, “To the drivers and teams I trust that your stay in Dubai will be comfortable and trouble free. That you all have good fortune in the Toyo Tires 24 Hours of Dubai at our circuit and may the best team win and will return in years to come to experience our challenging circuit and the unique hospitality of our country.”

Apart from the Press Conference the Dubai Autodrome paddock and pit garage area was abuzz with activity as teams finalised their setups and worked on their cars to optimise them for the forthcoming days of on track action. Scrutineering and safety checks were carried out on all the cars as part of the regulations while a support staff of over 250 marshals, officials, medical personnel assembled for the next three days of hard work at the circuit.

The roar of race engines will fill the air tomorrow (Thursday) as the teams and drivers get down to business with the first Free Practice starting at 1.15pm, followed by two hour Qualifying session at 2pm and vital night Free Practice starting at 6pm until 8.30pm. Night practice is essential for teams and drivers to acclimatise to the varying conditions that are part and parcel of the challenge of 24 hour endurance races. Entry for race fans is free with paddock and grandstand access. The start is always a sight to behold and a great motorsport experience.