The first Arab accepted into the FIA Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy is set to be a leading figure in the future growth and development of motorsport in the UAE and across the Middle East. Emirati Mohammed Al Mutawaa, the only Middle East representative among 18 participants at the FIA Institute’s academy aimed at developing young motorsport talent, returned to Dubai today from Sachsenring, Germany after completing the fifth and final workshop of the year.
Nominated and sponsored by the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE) to participate in the academy’s second edition, Al Mutawaa will now take his burgeoning motorsport career to the next level.
Dr Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the ATCUAE and Vice President of the FIA, said that Al Mutawaa’s participation in the recently formed academy is a significant milestone in the club’s vision of developing motorsport in the UAE and Middle East, while serving as an inspiration to other young Arab drivers.
“As a knowledge-led organisation, the ATCUAE is dedicated to the continued education of young drivers in the UAE and Middle East as part of regional motorsport development,” said Sulayem.
“Having Al Mutawaa represent the Middle East in such a prestigious academy sets the precedence for future young Arab drivers, and we look forward to continuing to develop youngsters in the motorsport industry for many years ahead.”
Prior to completing the academy Al Mutawaa was the runner up in the inaugural Formula Gulf 1000 single seat championship this season, and was also joint winner of the ATCUAE organised UAE Motorsport Star programme in November 2011.
“It is such a huge accomplishment and privilege to have successfully completed the FIA Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy, and I want to express my appreciation to Dr Mohammed Ben Sulayem and the ATCUAE for supporting my further development,” said Al Mutawaa.
“I now look forward to repaying their support by becoming a leading ambassador for Emirati and Middle East motorsport.”
After a hugely successful inaugural edition in 2011, the FIA Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy looks to provide opportunities for upcoming drivers from around the world to develop skills needed to progress their motorsport careers with a core focus on safety.
Taught by former Formula One driver and two times Le Mans winner, Alexander Wurz, and former World Rally Championship winning co-driver Robert Reid, the workshops instil in young drivers an understanding of the highest standards of road safety.
As part of the course, participants gain the necessary skills to become qualified road safety instructors, enabling them to educate the public. Open to applicants between the ages of 17 and 23, each workshop encompasses specific areas of motorsport development including sports psychology, nutrition, career management, interpersonal skills, physiology, and road safety trainer certification.
