Dubai Autodrome - Oasis of Motorsport
Opened in 2004, Dubai Autodrome was one of the first modern racing venues in the Middle East and now it is the home of motorsport in the United Arab Emirates.
Circuit designed by Apex
Plans for the autodrome were revealed in 2002 and soon the construction in Dubai began. Dubai’s Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed donated the land and the construction of the venue, projected by a Populous architectural company, started soon. The track was designed by Apex Circuit Design concern. The circuit was opened in October 2004 with the final rounds of FIA GT Championship, European Touring Car Championship, and Formula Renault V6 Eurocup.
Aerial view of Dubai Autodrome
Dubai Autodrome is a challenging circuit with six configurations
The 5.39km Dubai Autodrome circuit, with FIA Grade 1 license, is one of the most modern tracks in the world. It is also one of the most challenging, as it has a combination of high-speed straights and 16 more or less technically demanding corners. The circuit has six different layouts and three of them could be run simultaneously. The remaining five configurations are:
– International Circuit: 4.290 km
– National Circuit: 3.560 km
– Club Circuit: 2.460 km
– Oval Handling Circuit: 1.120 km
– Hill Handling Circuit: 1.620 km
Map: Dubai autodrome track layout
Despite meeting the highest safety standards, two fatal accidents were recorded at Dubai Autodrome, both in 2010, when Christophe Hissette and Pascal Grosjean were killed. Interestingly, Dubai Autodrome was the first FIA-sanctioned circuit to incorporate wide asphalt run-off areas.
Perfect kartdrome and facilities
Dubai Autodrome also has indoor and outdoor karting circuits with a fleet of Honda-powered karts and provides suits, helmets, balaclavas and gloves as part of the rental. All karts are linked to SMS-Timing software which provides precise lap times and live-timing to trackside screens or directly to a smartphone via Dubai Kartdrome app.
Dubai kartdrome outdoor circuit
The facilities at Dubai Autodrome are at the very high level. Pit Complex, Race and Safety Control Room, Timekeeping Room, Media Center, VIP Suite and Stewards Room are located within the modern complex facing the grandstand and prepared to fulfill the wishes of even the most demanding guests. Medical Centre is situated in the Pit area for track emergencies during major events. Behind the pit area is a traditional racing paddock for the team staff and hospitality.
Pit lane and garages at Dubai circuit
Dubai 24h is the main event
As the home of motorsport in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai Autodrome hosts the races of almost all national racing championships, as well as several international events. The 24 Hour of Dubai has become one of the circuit trademarks. It is one of the first major races on the global calendar each year and it attracts teams and drivers from all over the world.
Detail from the 2017 Dubai 24h event
Just like many modern circuits in the world, Dubai also welcomes corporate events and other racing or non-racing activities. The venue can comfortably cater for a wide range of events, with capacity from 10 to 15,000 people, and with the possibility of hiring circuit or just selected facilities.
Getting there
After its opening in 2004, Dubai Autodrome was almost on the outskirts of the city. However, recent urban development on the surrounding Motorcity complex means that the circuit nowadays feels more integrated with the fast-growing city.
Asian GP2 Series at Dubai circuit
Dubai International Airport is one of the busiest in the world, so the connections from all over the world are available. It is around 40-minute drive from Dubai Autodrome, while the city center is around 20 minutes from the track.
Address: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 367 8700
Website: dubaiautodrome.com
Photo: teamacr.com f4uae.com wikimedia.org apexcircuitdesign.co.uk azadnewsme.com
24hseries.com f1fanatic.co.uk
