Dubai, United Arab Emirates (January 13, 2013): The dream of transitioning from the virtual world to reality has become more attainable for eight of the fastest players from the Middle East after being selected for the regional finals of the GT Academy Middle East. The competition attracted thousands of participants in the region and made history in its inaugural year by having the first qualifier from the UAE reach the regional finals.

Selection and Evaluation Process

The selection and evaluation process took place over two exciting and highly competitive days in Dubai. Participants were tested on their racing skills, fitness, and abilities, as well as their media-handling capabilities, which are essential for drivers in various racing events. A group of eight highly skilled participants was chosen to compete alongside qualifiers from South Africa for the grand prize: an intensive training program in the UK, culminating in the winner driving a Nissan 370Z race-prepped for endurance at the iconic Silverstone circuit for six hours in September.

Celebrating Success

To celebrate the success of the participants in the GT Academy Middle East, a special ceremony was held in Dubai, attended by several dignitaries, including the legendary and most successful rally champion Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who currently serves as Vice President of the FIA and President of the Arab Council for Tourism. The event also welcomed five previous GT Academy winners from various countries, who competed in the Dubai 24-hour race over the weekend, including Lucas Ordonez, the winner of the first GT Academy competition in 2008.

Statements from Notable Figures

Mohammed Ben Sulayem

Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated, "Interest in motorsports is growing rapidly in the region along with participation in its events, and the GT Academy plays a significant role in this aspect."

Samir Sharafan

Samir Sharafan, Marketing and Sales Director at Nissan Middle East, remarked, "Nissan made a bold decision to establish the GT Academy to provide talented individuals who lack pathways into motorsport with the opportunity to realize their dreams."

Robert Visser

Robert Visser commented, "We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to the GT Academy Middle East from those ambitious gamers and racing drivers."

Contestants' Experience

In her first statement, Faiza Al Kindi from the UAE expressed, "Participating in the regional finals is completely different as one has to sit next to other competitors in front of a crowd."

Lucas Ordonez's Experience

Lucas Ordonez shared, "The GT Academy competition is unique as it offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for those lucky enough to win."

About GT Academy Middle East 2012

Names of the 23 qualifiers from GT Academy Middle East:

Abdul Majid Al Zaharani, Saudi Arabia.
Abdullah Al Qaoud, Kuwait.
Abdullah Al Khater, Qatar.
Ali Sadiq Al Youssef, Saudi Arabia.
Arnold (Dubai).
Aslan Ahmed, Saudi Arabia.
Aseel Mohammed Nasser, Saudi Arabia.
Assem Al Omari, Saudi Arabia.
Didi Andra Ramanglas, Oman.
Faiza Al Kindi, United Arab Emirates.
Haitham Al Fakhouri, Lebanon.
Mishaal Al Marshood, Kuwait.
Mohammed Osman, Saudi Arabia.
Mohammed Al Youssef, Saudi Arabia.
Nitham Mukadam, United Arab Emirates.
Sadiq Ali Hassan Ali Ahmed, Bahrain.
Salman Al Khater, Qatar.
Sami Fawaz, Kuwait.
Sami Zayan, United Arab Emirates.
Steve Smats, United Arab Emirates.
Tariq Khidr Mustafa, Egypt.
Toby Thomas, United Arab Emirates.
Zaed Mohsen, United Arab Emirates.

The eight qualifiers from GT Academy Middle East for the "Global Race Camp" at Silverstone are:

Aseel Mohammed Nasser, Saudi Arabia.
Sami Zayan, United Arab Emirates.
Salman Al Khater, Qatar.
Steve Smats, United Arab Emirates.
Tariq Khidr Mustafa, Egypt.
Abdullah Al Qaoud, Kuwait.
Ali Sadiq Al Youssef, Saudi Arabia.
Haitham Al Fakhouri, Lebanon.

GT Academy Finalists

Qualification Stages

In October 2012, the GT Academy was launched in the Middle East for the first time, with the grand prize being that the winner would become a racing driver in a Nissan 370Z for GT racing in the endurance race at Silverstone. To achieve this, participants had to progress through three qualifying rounds: preliminary selection, regional finals in the Middle East, and then win at the "Global Race Camp" in Silverstone.

Qualification Methods

The preliminary selection process was conducted in two ways: "live events" and an online competition. In the live events, GT Academy's special simulators were set up, allowing contestants to record their fastest lap times.

Online Competition

The online competition was conducted through an exclusive version of the Gran Turismo challenge for qualifying in GT Academy, which can be downloaded for free from the internet.

Follow-Up and News

Stay updated with news and insights on the GT Academy Middle East and the progress of all GT Academy drivers through various platforms, including Facebook and Twitter.

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