Dubai: Today marks the launch of the long-awaited football match between Formula 1 drivers and sports stars as part of the inaugural Nazionale Piloti Charity Football Event in Abu Dhabi. Held under the patronage of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, doors will open at 5.30pm and entrance is free. The match is set to kick-off at 7pm at the Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium, Al Jazira Club.
Patrizia Azzariti, founder and managing director of DM Cube, event organisers, said: "We can confirm the Formula One drivers have touched down in Abu Dhabi and are geared up to kick off the Grand Prix weekend with an energetic and exciting football match." Representing the Nazionale Piloti team, alongside others, will be Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa. On the opposing side, Walter Zenga, Fabio Cannavaro, David Trezeguet and Hidetoshi Nakata will accompany local sports figures, including Adnan Al Tilyani, Mohsin Musabah and Abdul Rahman Mohammad.
"This is a truly unique opportunity for us to bring together fans of both Formula 1 and football in a collaboration between two of the biggest sports in the UAE," said Mohammad Ebrahim Al Mahmoud Secretary-General of Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
All proceeds will be split among charities in the UAE and Italy.
