Seven-member UAE team for Grand Finals

A seven-member UAE team has been announced ahead of this weekend's Rotax Max Challenge Karting Grand Finals at Al Ain Raceway. The 12th edition of the event sees 264 drivers from 60 different nations compete. Two Emiratis — Shaikh Khalid Khalifa Al Nahyan, Mohammad Al Daheri — two Omanis — Abdullah and Sanad Al Rawahi, Patrick Jarjour from Lebanon, Arnaud Bouf from France and Maurits Knopjes from Holland — all residents of the UAE — make up the national team which will take part in qualifiers tomorrow and on Thursday, and in the finals on Friday and Saturday. Worldwide, 3,500 competitors took part and qualified through the National Rotax Max Challenge in their respective countries. Now the top drivers from each country have made it to the Grand Finals in their respective classes. It's the second time since 2007 that this event is being held in Al Ain. The UAE's champion rally driver Mohammad Bin Sulayem, vice-president of FIA and president of the UAE Automobile and Touring Club (ATCUAE), said: "Al Ain Raceway is one of the finest karting facilities in the world, and with the assistance of the ATCUAE, I have no doubt that it will be a terrific event where we will see some exciting yet safe racing." Al Daheri said: "This is a hugely proud moment for me. I don't think it has fully sunk in yet."