Abu Dhabi: As part of the lead up to Abu Dhabi's biggest sporting event, a group of 20 employees from Mubadala Development Company have trained to become official marshals for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
As a proud sponsor of Scuderia Ferrari, Mubadala has sponsored a series of community events in the lead up to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Mubadala Marshals programme is part of this effort, providing Mubadala employees with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become a race marshal at Yas Marina Circuit.
Over the past six weeks, the Mubadala employees have joined a wider group of participants across the UAE in a series of intense training sessions run by the Automobile and Touring Club UAE (ATCUAE), to prepare the volunteers for the big event.
Marshals play an integral role in Formula One, ensuring the safe and smooth running of every race. The marshals must have a proficient knowledge of all event rules and regulations, as outlined by the sport's governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).
"Marshals hold great responsibility during the Grand Prix and we are proud of our employees for taking such an active part in this event," said Sara Al Shorouqi, Senior Manager Marketing Communications, Mubadala Development Company.
"The teamwork and collaboration that goes on behind the scenes in a race of this scale is phenomenal, and we are delighted to be a part of that and to ensuring the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is a safe and successful event".
Flag signals
The marshals will be working at Yas Marina Circuit in front of 60,000 fans over the three days of racing action and will take on a variety of roles including:
Flag Marshals who give flag signals to the drivers while they are on the track. Grid/Pit Lane Marshals who set up the starting grid before each race, and control vehicles and people in Pit Lane during events. They also control the Pit Exit, acting under direction from Race Control
Track Marshals who help stopped drivers, assist the Fire & Medical personnel, sweep the track and assist the recovery crews.
Three of four training sessions were held at the Yas Marina Circuit throughout October. The marshals also participated in a live race meet at the Dubai autodrome on October 16, to gain first-hand experience of a real racing event.
The latest training session marked the first official race at Yas Marina Circuit, where a GP2 series event was held without spectators.
They worked in the same roles as they will during the grand prix this weekend.
"The marshals have devoted a lot of their time to training over the past two months and are now ready for race day," said Ronan Morgan, Sports Project Director for ATCUAE.
