First 12-Hour Race at Yas Marina Circuit

Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management and Driving Force Events Limited announce an agreement to stage the first 12-hour race at Yas Marina Circuit. Scheduled for January 20th, 2012, the GULF 12 HOURS will feature cars from around the world in the GT2, GT3, Porsche Cup and Prototype categories competing in two 6-hour races. During the break between races, the teams will have just 40-minutes to work on the cars.

“The Gulf 12 Hours is a great platform for introducing endurance racing to Yas Marina Circuit," said Richard Cregan, CEO of Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management. “It provides an internationally recognized event where local stars can compete with drivers from around the world on one of the best motorsports circuits. I can confirm that Yas Marina Circuit will be entering our own Aston Martin GT4 to be driven by Saeed Al Mehairi, Sheikh Hasher al Maktoum, and Mohammed al Mutawa, three of the best Emirati drivers in the U.A.E."

“Our target," continued Cregan, “is to develop this event so that it becomes the number one endurance race in the GCC and will attract as many international and local drivers, as possible."

“The 2012 Gulf 12 Hours will be the first step of a multi-year agreement with Yas Marina Circuit," said Andrea Ficarelli, Director of Driving Force Events, the promoter of the Gulf 12 Hours. “Together with Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management, our intention is to develop this race into a classic. Hence, we have been very selective in the categories and cars that will make up the grid. In addition, we feel that the format of two 6-hour races will create a superb spectator experience. We are keen to include garage tours, pit lane walks, and grid access in between each of the races."

Cars eligible for the 2012 Gulf 12 Hours are as follows:

  1. GT2 Cars
  2. GT3 Cars
  3. GT4 Cars – cars complying with GT4 European Cup Regulations
  4. Cup Cars – e.g. Porsche Carrera Cup, Renault Megane Eurocup, Lamborghini Supertrofeo, etc.
  5. FIA Group CN Cars (in compliance with FIA Article 259)
  6. Other classes to be decided by the promoter based on teams requests.

Teams with cars that do not belong to any of the classes listed above can apply for invitation. In order to minimize the gap between the fastest and the slowest cars, touring cars with power less than 300 BHP will not be admitted.