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Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge start cars on grid checkered flag

Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge launches at Yas Marina Circuit


ABU DHABI, January 15, 2015

The Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge (ADSC), the first International Solarcar Federation (ISF) sanctioned event in the Middle East, was launched at Yas Marina Circuit today (January 15).

Sponsored by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and hosted by Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company, Masdar, the event is part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).

It will run till January 19, finishing at the opening ceremony of the World Future Energy Summit.

As part of ADSW, the challenge brings innovation in clean technology to life and highlights Abu Dhabi’s role as a leader in the sector.

Abu Dhabi is welcoming university teams from Australia, Europe, America, Middle East and Asia to compete in the cross-country road event.

The teams, which include UAE’s Petroleum Institute, will travel approximately 1,200-km over the next four days in a battle for the championship title.

The students have planned and prepared for city and desert road driving over the course of the event. This is no mean feat in a competition where smooth and economical driving are keys to success.

Yas Marina Circuit will be presenting the team who complete the qualifying lap in the fastest time with a prestigious award.

Al Tareq Al Ameri, chief executive officer of Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management, said: “We are very pleased to be the launch venue for the Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge.

“Being part of the first International Solarcar Federation sanctioned event to be held in the Middle East is a great way to engage the youth and compliments other activities we have such as our ‘F1 in schools’ programme. We wish all the students the very best of luck.”

“We are thrilled to be here at Yas Marina Circuit today, at the start of the Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge and welcoming these students to the UAE. This is a tremendous venue and we thank those at the circuit for their involvement in the challenge. The students taking part in the solar challenge are extremely lucky to have the chance to drive on such an iconic track,” said an Adnoc spokesperson.

The teams will undergo the qualifying round today, around a track that is also home to world famous F1TM drivers. All teams must qualify to move through to the on-road challenge, which begins on January 16, departing from Yas Marina Circuit, said the statement.

Dr Ahmad Belhoul, chief executive officer of Masdar, said: “The solar challenge brings clean technology to life and highlights Abu Dhabi’s role as a leader in the sector. From cutting-edge vehicle technology to harnessing solar energy, the challenge exemplifies what human ingenuity can achieve.”

The UAE’s Petroleum Institute team has a number of high-profile rally driver ambassadors, including Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Sulayem has acted as an advisor to the team in the months before its first ever solar challenge.

“Working closely with the PI team has been an honour and hugely inspiring for me. This is the first time a solar car from the UAE has been taken part in an event such as this, so it is extremely important,” he said.

“All eyes will be on the UAE for the ADSC, but also for the home team, who have already achieved such remarkable things and I am positive they will continue to do so. Best of luck to the PI team and all of the other teams competing,” said Ben Sulayem.

Each day of the challenge will take teams to a new destination in Abu Dhabi, encompassing the landscapes the emirate has to offer. Residents will have an opportunity to see the cars in action at all checkpoints along the route.  

On January 19, the teams will travel to Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre to the opening ceremony of ADSW, where the winners of the Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge will be announced. - TradeArabia News Service




Tags: abu dhabi | solar | launch | marina | Yas | challenge |

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