Arab News Japan

DUBAI: The Toyota Gazoo Racing UAE Academy, which is driver development programme pioneered by Al-Futtaim Toyota, is returning for a second season on Arab streaming platform Shahid.

The program will be open for registration from Feb. 10 to 16, with those interested in participating invited to register at the Academy’s online portal.

This year, the aptly re-badged Toyota Gazoo Racing UAE Academy will see the contestants take to the track at the state-of-the-art Karting Town in Sharjah for a series of kart racing qualifiers, followed by thrilling Autocross and Time Attack sessions in the blisteringly fast Toyota GR Supra that will demand exceptional driving skill and precision.

Commenting on the initiative, Saad Abdullah, General Manager – Marketing, Toyota Lexus for Al-Futtaim Automotive, said: “Following an amazing event last year, we are extremely excited to announce the return of the successful Al-Futtaim Toyota motorsport initiative – now named Toyota Gazoo Racing UAE Academy.”

“For this year’s exciting programme, the Academy will be shifting gears from off-road racing to on-track Autocross and Time Attack stages featuring the iconic Toyota GR Supra. Leveraging the considerable expertise of our newly formed Al-Futtaim Motorsport Division and external consultants in the motorsport industry, we have developed Season 2 of the Toyota Gazoo Racing UAE Academy to serve as a platform to develop skilled drivers, thereby reinforcing our commitment to motorsport excellence in the region,” he added.

“Guided by the philosophy that “the road shapes the driver as well as the vehicle,” this pioneering initiative offers automotive enthusiasts across the UAE a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to etch their name into the records of motorsport history. Once again, the Academy further reinforces what Toyota has stood for over the years: dependable performance and the ability to push the limits on what machine and man can do together.”

The 2024 season of the Toyota Gazoo Racing UAE Academy will take place across four gruelling stages, in which the physical prowess, driving skills, media finesse, and mental acuity of the competitors will be tested, promising not just glory on the track but a lasting impact on the motorsports landscape both in the UAE and globally.

Following the registrations, contestants will take part in Auditions on a first-come, first-served basis to determine their suitability for the qualification stages. Candidates will be assessed based on a combination of competitive kart racing to determine driving prowess, and an interview to assess media skills.

The applicants will then be assessed, and 48 successful candidates shortlisted for the Qualifications and Development stages, where the field will be whittled down to just 4 competitors for the Finals stage, and the ultimate battle to be crowned the Toyota Gazoo Racing Ambassador for 2024.