Pulse Media MENA, Realtimes Network partner to bring GPFans to MENA
The collaboration comes as Pulse Media's continues to deliver targeted, high-quality opportunities for brands seeking to connect with global Formula 1 audiences. GPFans, with its digital presence across websites, mobile platforms, and social media, offers a powerful platform for advertisers.
Pulse Media MENA plans to harness its expertise in digital media sales and brand partnerships to unlock new monetisation opportunities for advertisers looking to engage with motorsport enthusiasts.
Bart Hillen, Managing Director of Realtimes, commenting on the partnership said, 'We're excited to team up with Pulse Media, whose track record in digital media sales and brand partnerships makes them the ideal commercial partner for GPFans as we enter our next phase of growth.
He continues, 'GPFans has a passionate and highly engaged global community, and this partnership will help unlock new value for advertisers in the Middle East and Africa looking to connect with Formula 1 fans in meaningful ways.'
Salika Mustafa, General Manager at Pulse Media MENA, echoed Hillen's enthusiasm, saying 'We're thrilled to represent such a dynamic and fast-growing property like GPFans. Motorsport is a booming vertical both globally and in the Middle East, and GPFans delivers premium content and audiences that regional advertisers are eager to reach.'
As the 2025 Formula 1 season gains momentum, this partnership promises to drive new commercial innovations and opportunities within the motorsport media landscape.
With fan interest at an all-time high, Pulse Media MENA and Realtimes Network are poised to redefine how brands connect with the Middle East and Africa's passionate Formula 1 audience.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economy ME
2 days ago
- Economy ME
Temerario at Estoril: Where legends and futures collide
There's something almost poetic about Estoril. The Atlantic breeze carries echoes of racing history, and the circuit's flowing curves still remember the 1984 Portuguese Grand Prix when Niki Lauda edged out Alain Prost by just half a point to claim his third Formula 1 title. It's also the stage where Ayrton Senna, in 1985, announced his arrival with a mesmerising drive in the rain, his first F1 victory and a prelude to greatness. So when I arrived at Estoril to test Lamborghini's latest creation — the striking new Temerario, it wasn't just about performance figures. It was about tracing a legacy, with a car that redefines how power, precision, and emotion can coexist in the modern era. From the hexagonal DRLs to the shark-nose front, the car looks like it belongs in tomorrow's world, while staying unmistakably Lamborghini Read: Ferrari Amalfi: Sculpted elegance meets aerodynamic precision A hybrid that doesn't compromise The Temerario marks a new chapter for Lamborghini , the brand's first twin-turbo V8 hybrid, and perhaps its most audacious yet. With 920 CV on tap, it sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.7 seconds, and hits 200 km/h in 7.1. On Estoril's main straight, I personally touched 304 km/h effortlessly. But this isn't just about speed. What impressed me most was the fluidity of power delivery, wave after wave of acceleration, underpinned by a thunderous engine note that rises into a 10,000-rpm crescendo. The flat-plane crank V8 is raw yet refined, and when combined with three electric motors, it offers not just muscle but sharp, instantaneous response. Iconic by design Lamborghini calls the Temerario's styling 'essential and iconic' and it's easy to see why. From the hexagonal DRLs to the shark-nose front, the car looks like it belongs in tomorrow's world, while staying unmistakably Lamborghini . Sharp lines, functional aerodynamics, and a visible engine under glass give it theater and authenticity. Every visual element has purpose cooling ducts, rear diffusers, even the roof's central channel that guides air to the integrated spoiler. It's a car sculpted by wind and ambition. The Temerario sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.7 seconds, and hits 200 km/h in 7.1 seconds Luxury meets precision Step inside, and the Temerario surprises. It's roomier than the Huracán, offering more head and legroom, and even luggage space. Seats are both supportive and indulgent, trimmed in Alcantara and carbon fiber, with just enough digital polish — including three intuitive displays to feel futuristic, not overwhelming. With 13 drive modes, from fully electric 'Città' for city cruising to 'Corsa' for track thrills (plus a drift mode for those brave enough), it adapts to mood and moment. All-wheel drive and torque vectoring bring poise to every corner, while regenerative braking and hybrid assist offer everyday usability without diluting the fun. Connected emotion Tech doesn't end with performance. The Lamborghini Vision Unit turns the Temerario into a storyteller capturing track laps, syncing data with heart-rate monitors, and even recording in-cabin moments via three cameras. It's the kind of feature that transforms a great drive into a lasting memory. And when the V8 quiets down, the Sonus faber sound system takes over, delivering Italian acoustics as detailed as the stitching in the seats. Seats are both supportive and indulgent, trimmed in Alcantara and carbon fiber Legacy, reimagined With the Temerario, Lamborghini completes its hybrid journey — not with compromise, but with clarity. This is a car that's louder in personality, lighter in weight, sharper in engineering, and more expressive than ever before. To put it in perspective: While Senna's Lotus 97T reached 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and topped out around 330 km/h with no electronic aids the Temerario does it faster, with more control, comfort, and connection to the road, making me think wishfully I might have had a chance against him. Driving the Temerario at Estoril, where legends once danced with speed, I found myself asking: If Senna were here, what would he make of this hybrid hurricane from Sant'Agata? Something tells me… he'd have smiled and floored it.
What's On
6 days ago
- What's On
Top places to watch the Formula 1 races in Dubai
If you're a Formula 1 fan here in Dubai, you can watch the races at home via F1TV or beIN SPORTS, but if you want to join other fans and enjoy a fun environment, you've got to head to a sports bar or a cars cafe. Formula 1's fan base has picked up pace in the past few years, especially after the launch of Netflix's Drive to Survive and more recently this year after the release of F1 The Movie starring Brad Pitt. But it doesn't matter if you're a longtime fan who has watched the greats like Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher or are a recent fan witnessing McLaren's domination on the track; you're sure to come together with other fans for a fab time. amgkaffeehausdxb This cafe is named after the Mercedes-Benz founders (Aufrecht, Melcher, and Großaspach) and is the place in Dubai to support King George (George Russell) and Little Kimi Antonelli battle for points for Team Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS. Here, you can unwind with your favorite brew, dine on tasty treats and watch F1 cars going round (and round) the circuit. And yes, the cafe even sells AMG merch. Location: City Walk on Happiness Street and Dubai Design District in the Mercedes-Benz Brand Center, Operating hours: open daily from 8am. @amgkaffeehausdxb This restaurant in DIFC and JLT is popular for its wings in a variety of sauces, and fans of F1 can book themselves in for a double treat when the races are on. Screens across the venue show the live racing action and other sports. Make a reservation in advance, and do let the team know you're there to watch the F1 races. If you're heading here on Sunday to see who crosses the final line to lift the trophy, you can enjoy their Slider Sunday deal, which will see you enjoying a beef or chicken slider for just Dhs9. It's available all day. Head here to check out their other pocket-friendly deals. Location: Buffalo Wild Wings in DIFC and JLT Contact: DIFC: (04) 359 6900, JLT: (04) 321 6112 @buffalodubai Ernst Biergarten Ernst Biergarten Located in the oh-so-cool 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central, Ernst Biergarten offers a traditional beer garden setting for fans to watch the race. The zooming action is displayed on TV screens across the venue, so you don't miss any overtakes. Pair the roaring action with a cold beer or hearty Bavarian bites from German pretzels to schweineschnitzel, pommes frites, and more. Make a reservation to block your favourite table in advance. Location: Ernst Biergarten, 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central, Trade Centre Contact: (04) 210 2511 @ernstdubai Flat12 Café Enjoy the race out on the circuit surrounded by some cool cars. Flat12 Cafe is an industrially chic space, which combines a bistro, boutique, and gallery under one roof, and they show the F1 races, making it a great pitstop to watch the race. The cafe rotates the classic models on display, and it even offers up a comfy workspace if you want a change of scene. On the menu, you can find pizzas, burgers, truffle fries, burrata flatbread, and more. Pair it with one of their specialty coffees. Location: Port Rashid Contact: (0)4 228 7123 @flat.12 *Your ultimate guide to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025* garden on 8 garden on 8 Formula 1 fans are currently missing the action on the grid, but when it returns on August 29, we are in for the ride of a lifetime as the drivers line up on the grid for the Heineken Dutch Grand Prix. While not all of us can join the Orange Army and support Max Verstappen at the Zandvoort track, we can wear the brightest orange shirt we own and head on over to garden on 8 in Media One Hotel to watch the live action. From August 29 to 31, garden on 8 is getting a Formula 1 makeover, turning into a fanzone with a race simulator, race flags, themed drinks and bites, and even a special collab with Club NL. On Saturday, August 30, it turns into a complete F1 Garden Party from 1pm to 4pm, plus an after-party with happy hour specials where you watch the qualifying action and see who takes pole position for race day. Enjoy the rush of adrenaline with all-inclusive packages starting from Dhs199. There's a sepcial menu crafted for the experience, too. Book your table here. Location: garden on 8, Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City Dates: August 29 to 31 Offer: Dhs199 soft, Dhs299 house and Dhs399 premium; happy hour from 4pm Contact: (052) 144 7438 @gardenon8dxb ICON Bar & Lounge If all you want is your mates, top sporting action, and a no-frills atmosphere, Icon Bar should shoot to the top of your list. This international sports bar brags 26 screens and non-stop live sports, which you can pair with its all-day, every-day happy hour with prices from Dhs39. Over the race weekend, you can also enjoy Amstel Beer for just Dhs29. It attracts plenty of fans, so for big games make sure you book your spot. Location: ICON Bar & Lounge, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City Contact: (04) 04 366 9111 @iconbar_dubai Offside Sports Bar Offside Race into Offside at JA Ocean View Hotel for all the live F1 action. Multiple screens across the venue show the race and other live games, and over the cooler season, the action also extends outdoors. Want to show off your skills behind the wheel? Offside also has a simulator where you can snap up bragging rights. Besides this, there are plenty of classic bites on the menu, from wings to pizzas, and some pretty cool drink deals. Added bonus? It's pet-friendly, so your pet can also enjoy the racing action… or most likely do zoomies around your table. Location: JA Ocean View Hotel, Jumeirah Beach Residence Contact: (04) 814 5590 @offsidedxb The Car Cafe If you want to watch the race next to an actual circuit, head to the CARS Cafe, located next to the Dubai Autodrome. You won't be able to take your eyes off the screen when the race is on, but do spend some time pre- or post-race to feast your eyes on real cars and bikes on display. Besides sipping on coffee and tucking into a meal, you can go shopping for some cool merch. It's a perfect spot for petrolheads, racing enthusiasts, and travel lovers to come together. Location: The CARS Cafe, Dubai Autodrome Contact: (0)54 400 1803 @thecarscafe Images: Supplied and Instagram
Gulf Business
12-08-2025
- Gulf Business
From pit lane to mainframe: Globant's Federico Pienovi on how AI Is redefining F1
Image: Supplied Few arenas combine raw human grit with technological brilliance quite like Formula 1. The roar of engines, precision manoeuvres, and split-second decisions have long been the hallmarks of this sport. But as the 2025 season charges ahead, a quiet shift is unfolding. Formula 1 (F1) isn't just a battle of horsepower and courage anymore. It's turning into a silent war waged with algorithms, neural networks, and cloud computing. With 1.5 terabytes of data generated per car per race weekend, the smartest team, not just the fastest, holds the edge. Welcome to F1's new era: the code-driven arms race. Let's put this transformation into perspective. Each F1 car churns out 400GB of data per race, virtually enough to outpace the computing demands of an entire small business in a weekend. These raw metrics include telemetry, essentially the heart and pulse of the car's performance, driver behavior analysis, tire pressure readings, and even real-time fuel consumption models. The deeper truth? Cars today produce over one million data points per second during races. With teams crunching these numbers mid-race, decisions on vital elements like pit stops, tire changes, and fuel consumption are no longer instinctive, they're informed by cutting-edge technology. When milliseconds dictate outcomes, precision is key, and AI has taken the wheel. Gone are the days when a race engineer relied solely on experience and intuition to plan pit stops. Today's AI systems evaluate over 150 parameters—from braking consistency and tire wear patterns to more nuanced metrics like driver stress responses to optimise each split-second maneuver. It's this obsessive command of data that allowed George Russell to squeeze out 97 per cent tire efficiency from medium compounds in 2023. In contrast, Lewis Hamilton achieved a still-impressive 94 per cent, highlighting how AI-guided insights are even differentiating performance among teammates. Predictive analytics have transformed pit lane strategy. Through simulations and real-time learning, AI effectively answers questions before humans have thought to ask them: When is the exact moment to pit for maximum tire balance? How do fuel consumption rates shift as track temperatures climb? Which corner profile triggers driver fatigue? It's a high-speed game of peering into the future playing out in milliseconds. Racing simulations beyond the track Step aside, traditional simulators; digital twins are in the game. These hyper-accurate simulations recreate cars and drivers down to their molecular behaviour, allowing teams to test countless strategies without ever setting a tire on the asphalt. The beauty of digital twins lies in their predictive value. By modelling whole car systems based on environmental inputs – humidity, track temperature, or even wind resistance – teams can anticipate performance shifts before they occur. In many ways, digital twins embody F1's transformation into not just a sport but a cutting-edge laboratory. The physical car becomes a manifestation of its virtual twin's relentless experimentation. Could this mean the end of the once-revered gut instincts of drivers and engineers? Some followers of the 'old F1' might argue so. The silent race engineer Edge computing has emerged as a game-changer in the pit lane. Teams can extract actionable insights with minimal latency by processing data locally during the race, without waiting for cloud-based solutions, teams can extract actionable insights with minimal latency. Think of it this way: when you're hurtling around a corner at 200 miles per hour, the difference between a half-second delay and instant feedback from the car can mean the difference between pole position and disaster. As a key player in F1's digital transformation, Globant's Pitwall solution serves one crucial purpose: faster, more refined data delivery. Spectators can tap into real-time feeds of the analytics driving every lap, a digital experience as exciting as the race itself. Our collaboration with Formula 1 mirrors our work in other sports, such as FIFA and the LA Clippers. But our commitment to advancing AI-driven technologies within F1 sets us apart, highlighting how brands are becoming vital to the sport's evolution. The fan experience is also undergoing a transformation, thanks to augmented reality, predictive analytics, and interactive race streaming. Augmented reality overlays now provide intricate breakdowns of tire degradation and driver stress levels, all in real time. Fans can witness firsthand the algorithms behind pit decisions, understanding in vivid detail why a driver switches from soft tires to mediums at a critical juncture. F1 is no longer confined to the track, it's flowing through the screens of millions worldwide. Code versus courage: Losing the human element? In this age of endless innovation, a simmering question remains: As Formula 1 becomes increasingly bespoke to AI, is the sport losing its human soul? Purists argue the sport's essence lies not just in technology but in raw courage, the ability to take intuitive risks, to feel the vibrations of the car beneath you, to believe in a gut-driven moment that AI can't quantify. Yet, others counter this nostalgia by pointing to F1's core appeal: competition. And if competition demands a smarter car rather than just a faster one, this evolution is simply logical. After all, making the driver-machine relationship stronger doesn't dilute the sport, it enhances it. The millisecond decisions that once belonged solely to drivers and engineers now live within neural networks and predictive models. As the sun rises on this data-driven era, the car that wins isn't just fast, it's smart. The
