Yas Motor Racing Club, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Racing, is set to host a candidate event for the 2015 FIA Middle East Rally Championship (Merc) in October.

The ‘Abu Dhabi Rally,’ which is a regional championship round has been approved by the motorsport’s world governing body, the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), said a statement.

The North Handling Circuit of Yas Marina Circuit will play host to the Spectator Stage, on October 16 and on October 17, the event will consist of eight special stages.

The Spectator Stage will give spectators the opportunity to watch rallying action and regional drivers up close, and for which purpose the Grand Stands will be open free to the public.

Sheikh Khalid, who is also chairman of Abu Dhabi Racing, said: “Abu Dhabi Rally will definitely be an added value to the Middle East Rally Championship next season. The event will connect the deep-rooted culture of rallying in the region with the modernity of the sport as the headquarters of Abu Dhabi Rally and the Super Special Stage will be at Yas Marina Circuit.”

Ahmed M Helal AlKaabi, chairman of the organising committee of Abu Dhabi Rally, said: "We at Yas Marina Circuit aim to spread the culture of motorsports in the best possible manner, and are already offering the best by hosting the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Grand Prix.

“Therefore, we as the organising committee of Abu Dhabi Rally in co-operation with Abu Dhabi Racing are keen to take the sport to a new level by providing many facilities to the participants. All details will be revealed over the next few days, including the stages."

Currently, the FIA MERC calendar consists of six rounds, held in Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Cyprus and Dubai, added the statement. - TradeArabia News Service