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Newsweek
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Max Verstappen Awarded FIA Platinum License for Endurance Racing
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Red Bull driver Max Verstappen acquired a high-level FIA license, which will allow him to compete in different kinds of races. Verstappen has long spoken about his desire to compete in endurance racing, specifically the 24 Hours of Le Mans. There are several different levels of license for these races, including bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing prepares to drive in the garage during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on May 30, 2025 in... Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing prepares to drive in the garage during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on May 30, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. More Photo byBefore the Spanish Grand Prix weekend, Verstappen revealed that he had applied for it a couple of weeks ago and was surprised when he managed to notch the platinum level. "I applied because at some point I was going to have to do it anyway, so it was better to just get it over with," Verstappen told reporters. "It's super easy. It's just a form. You fill it out, you pay, and a week later you get a response." On his first try, he got the highest level, which will allow him to compete in those high-level endurance races that he has sought to race in. Verstappen jokingly said he was surprised to get platinum status: "I was actually hoping for a bronze license! Maybe I'll appeal the platinum license to at least get a silver one, but I don't expect that." As a Formula 1 driver, he already has a superlicense to compete in F1, which automatically grants him a platinum FIA license when he applies. There are five other drivers that also have this high-level license: Fernando Alonso, Franco Colapinto, Nico Hulkenberg, Lando Norris, and Lance Stroll. Verstappen has previously done a secret GT3 test at the Nurburgring, which could indicate his interest in potentially doing the Nurburgring 24 Hours on top of Le Mans. Max Verstappen doing it again. Qualifying P2 in F1 and now currently in the simulator leading the iRacing Nurburgring Endurance race 😎 — Pablo Araujo (@PabloGz) May 17, 2025 The race in Le Mans happens during the same race weekend as the F1 Canadian Grand Prix. Verstappen would likely need to retire to pursue the race, given that he would miss out on an entire race weekend. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has deflected when asked if he would be willing to let his driver compete in other races while under contract at Red Bull. "It would be very difficult to take that away from him," Horner said. "But of course, the focus has to remain on his main job... it's out of the question for him to skip a race." Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, on the other hand, has been more willing to allow Verstappen to pursue other ventures during the fall. "First of all, I find it remarkable that someone who is a four-time world champion has to be classified. But alright, totally fair: if you want to make Max smile, start talking about GT racing. "At the moment, the focus is clearly on Formula 1. We want to win this world championship. But I think in the fall, opportunities will arise – and I assume Max has already looked into that carefully. Of course, he'll need our permission for it." There are some legitimate fears from Red Bull about whether other drivers would race him harder because of his name. "I'm only afraid that if he actually joins a race, everyone will feel the need to prove themselves – and that they'll make things unnecessarily difficult for Max," Marko said. More news: Yuki Tsunoda Fires Back at Online Abuse As He Considers F1 Intervention For more F1, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Max Verstappen offended as fellow drivers question Nurburgring record
When news broke from Imola on Thursday that Max Verstappen had set a Nurburgring Nordschleife lap record testing a GT3 Ferrari a week earlier, the reaction was a mix of astonishment and scepticism. Maro Engel, Mercedes-AMG Team WINWARD. Maro Engel, Mercedes-AMG Team WINWARD. Alexander Trienitz Alexander Trienitz Advertisement On Saturday evening at Imola, Verstappen openly admitted that Engel's tweet had hurt him: 'That was a stupid comment. I went there to have fun and just drive my laps. I [was] just there to learn.' 'Then the record comes out of course, and it's as if other drivers feel attacked. I'm just enjoying myself, and then you get that kind of unnecessary comment, which I find totally pointless.' Usually, Verstappen clarified, such things wouldn't bother him. But in Engel's case, it did. 'I know him. So yeah, then I think, 'It's probably better not to say anything.' But I happened to come across it in my feed. Normally you don't see that, but I've met him a few times in Monaco. I have a lot of respect for everyone in the GT3 world, and then I think, 'This is just unnecessary.'' Advertisement The official NLS lap record is 7m49.578s, set during in November 2022 by Christian Krognes in a BMW M4 GT3. Verstappen reportedly smashed this record almost effortlessly. Eyewitnesses reported that the Formula 1 star at one point made such a spectacular overtaking move on the outside of Hatzenbach corner that it was 'almost hard to believe' that he was using the official NLS BoP. Max Verstappen, Emil Fray Racing Ferrari 496 GT3 Max Verstappen, Emil Fray Racing Ferrari 496 GT3 Max Verstappen Max Verstappen David Perel, who was also participating in the test with a Ferrari 296 GT3, shared on social media that he had followed 'Franz' for a few laps. He noted that Verstappen could 'be a great driver if he takes it seriously', but immediately added: 'But also… he had plenty of power and top speed.' Advertisement For Verstappen, such comments have come across as an insult to his pride. When asked at Imola if it was true that he had been faster than the lap record, he simply replied: 'I was, yeah.' And when pressed on whether he had really used the official NLS BoP, he replied: 'Of course. Otherwise it would be a bit silly to drive there.' Verstappen Ferrari 296 GT3 was fielded by Emil Frey Racing (EFR) in the colors of his own GT racing brand, Jurg Flach, technical director and operations manager at EFR, described Verstappen's morning pace as 'incredible', adding that in the afternoon he was 'a bit slower – perhaps due to traffic'. Advertisement Flach explicitly confirmed that Verstappen used 'exactly' the BoP settings prescribed for an NLS race weekend. As for the fuel load, he mentioned that there was 'a good amount' in the tank since 'we never run empty.' It is believed that there were about 60 to 70 kilograms of fuel on board. Max Verstappen, Emil Fray Racing Ferrari 496 GT3 Max Verstappen, Emil Fray Racing Ferrari 496 GT3 Max Verstappen Max Verstappen Engel, in a phone call with sister publication quipped with a smile on his face: 'Max is welcome to come to a race and prove it under real race conditions.' While 27-year-old Verstappen had never physically driven on the Nordschleife before, he already knew the track from the simulator. Advertisement 'I've done thousands of laps around there,' he said. 'So for me, when I got there in real life, it was more knowing the grip level. You know, the new tarmac in places. And then the grip level of the car. And of course a few barriers here and there are modified a bit.' This was not Verstappen's first test in an EFR Ferrari either. Back in 2023, he tested for the team at Mugello. 'He got into the car and was immediately fast,' Flach remembers. 'One lap to get a feel, and then he was off. When you see him, it's no wonder he's already a four-time world champion. The way he nails the times is impressive.' The Nurburgring 24 Hours, which is the showpiece of the NLS series, is high on Verstappen's bucket list: 'Yeah, I would like to do that in the future. That's why I'm doing all these things to prepare a bit. You know, get a bit of experience. So you don't need to do that in the future.' Advertisement Red Bull team boss Christian Horner made it clear at Imola that Verstappen's focus needed to remain on his main job despite such outings. Verstappen also said in Italy that leaving Red Bull for 2026 was 'not my intention at the moment'. Read Also: Red Bull: Max Verstappen's focus has to be on F1 after Nurburgring test Max Verstappen intends to stay at Red Bull… 'unless strange things happen' What is certain is that Verstappen is serious about the 24-hour race. He is already in talks with the DMSB body, which issues the so-called 'permit' required to compete. Typically, the permit for the GT3 top class is only granted if a driver has completed at least two flawless NLS races in lower classes. Advertisement The likelihood that Verstappen would be granted a special exemption is considered low. Not even motorcycle superstar Valentino Rossi had this privilege to race on the Nordschleife in 2023. It's quite possible that Verstappen will soon be back at the Nordschleife to compete in the NLS. 'Franz Hermann' might even participate in two races to earn the permit and dispel any accusations that the red carpet was rolled out for him while others had to meet stricter requirements. The speculation about how impressive Verstappen's unofficial lap record really was will likely continue until he proves under comparable race conditions that he can also win in the GT3 on the Nordschleife. And for those who know Verstappen, it's clear: that day will surely come sooner or later. Additional reporting by Filip Cleeren, Sven Haidinger and Heiko Stritzke Photos from Imola GP - Race Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Oscar Piastri, McLaren Oscar Piastri, McLaren Steven Tee / LAT Images via Getty Images Steven Tee / LAT Images via Getty Images Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Alexandra Saint Mleux and Leo Leclerc Alexandra Saint Mleux and Leo Leclerc Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Pierre Gasly, Alpine Pierre Gasly, Alpine Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team Peter Fox / Getty Images Peter Fox / Getty Images Charles Leclerc, Ferrari Charles Leclerc, Ferrari Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Franco Colapinto, Alpine Franco Colapinto, Alpine Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images via Getty Images George Russell, Mercedes George Russell, Mercedes Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Carlos Sainz, Williams, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Carlos Sainz, Williams, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari Red Bull Content Pool Red Bull Content Pool Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing Red Bull Content Pool Red Bull Content Pool Charles Leclerc, Ferrari Charles Leclerc, Ferrari Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls Red Bull Content Pool Red Bull Content Pool Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Carlos Sainz, Williams Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Carlos Sainz, Williams Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing, Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing, Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images via Getty Images George Russell, Mercedes, Pierre Gasly, Alpine George Russell, Mercedes, Pierre Gasly, Alpine Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Lando Norris, McLaren, Carlos Sainz, Williams Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Lando Norris, McLaren, Carlos Sainz, Williams Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images via Getty Images George Russell, Mercedes, Pierre Gasly, Alpine George Russell, Mercedes, Pierre Gasly, Alpine Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls, Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls, Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing Red Bull Content Pool Red Bull Content Pool Simone Susinna Simone Susinna Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing Red Bull Content Pool Red Bull Content Pool Charles Leclerc, Ferrari Charles Leclerc, Ferrari Ferrari Ferrari Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing Red Bull Content Pool Red Bull Content Pool Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team Peter Fox / Getty Images Peter Fox / Getty Images Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari Ferrari Ferrari Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls Red Bull Content Pool Red Bull Content Pool Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing Red Bull Content Pool Red Bull Content Pool Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari Ferrari Ferrari Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing Red Bull Content Pool Red Bull Content Pool Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls, Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls, Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls Red Bull Content Pool Red Bull Content Pool Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari Ferrari Ferrari Thierry Boutsen drives his Arrows A8 for the F1 car presentation Thierry Boutsen drives his Arrows A8 for the F1 car presentation Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Charles Leclerc, Ferrari Charles Leclerc, Ferrari Ferrari Ferrari Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari Red Bull Content Pool Red Bull Content Pool Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing Red Bull Content Pool Red Bull Content Pool Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing Red Bull Content Pool Red Bull Content Pool Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari Peter Fox / Getty Images Peter Fox / Getty Images Fans Fans Ferrari Ferrari Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing Red Bull Content Pool Red Bull Content Pool Valentino Rossi poses for a photo Valentino Rossi poses for a photo Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images via Getty Images George Russell, Mercedes George Russell, Mercedes Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Oscar Piastri, McLaren Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Oscar Piastri, McLaren Red Bull Content Pool Red Bull Content Pool Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Oscar Piastri, McLaren Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Oscar Piastri, McLaren Red Bull Content Pool Red Bull Content Pool Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Oscar Piastri, McLaren Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Oscar Piastri, McLaren Red Bull Content Pool Red Bull Content Pool Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Racing, Alexander Albon, Williams Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Racing, Alexander Albon, Williams Peter Fox / Getty Images Peter Fox / Getty Images Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing Red Bull Content Pool Red Bull Content Pool Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Oscar Piastri, McLaren Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Oscar Piastri, McLaren Red Bull Content Pool Red Bull Content Pool Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Oscar Piastri, McLaren Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Oscar Piastri, McLaren Red Bull Content Pool Red Bull Content Pool Alexander Albon, Williams Alexander Albon, Williams Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing Red Bull Content Pool Red Bull Content Pool Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls Red Bull Content Pool Red Bull Content Pool Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing Red Bull Content Pool Red Bull Content Pool Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari Peter Fox / Getty Images Peter Fox / Getty Images Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing Red Bull Content Pool Red Bull Content Pool Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren Lars Baron / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Lars Baron / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Alexander Albon, Williams Alexander Albon, Williams Lars Baron / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Lars Baron / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing Lando Norris, McLaren Lando Norris, McLaren Steven Tee / LAT Images via Getty Images Steven Tee / LAT Images via Getty Images Charles Leclerc, Ferrari Charles Leclerc, Ferrari Peter Fox / Getty Images Peter Fox / Getty Images Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren Steven Tee / LAT Images via Getty Images Steven Tee / LAT Images via Getty Images Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing Peter Fox / Getty Images Peter Fox / Getty Images Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing Peter Fox / Getty Images Peter Fox / Getty Images Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images via Getty Images Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing Peter Fox / Getty Images Peter Fox / Getty Images To read more articles visit our website.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Verstappen opens door to F1 exit to race in other series with application to FIA
Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen is interested in competing in other series amid uncertainty over his future with Red Bull and he's now moved closer to making it a reality Max Verstappen has confirmed that he's taken steps towards racing outside of Formula 1. Verstappen, 27, has previously hinted at following in his dad Jos' footsteps by competing in other series. That's despite the Dutchman being the dominant force in F1, winning the last four Drivers' Championships with Red Bull. But amid uncertainty over his contract situation and having recently become a father, his long-term future in the sport has come into the spotlight. Now Verstappen has opened the door to competing in other racing events such as the World Endurance Championship and GT3. That's because Verstappen has successfully applied for a driver categorisation from the FIA. As an active F1 driver, the Red Bull star was guaranteed at least a Platinum rating. Driver categorisation is crucial for any driver who wants to compete in GT or sports car racing. Verstappen confirmed the news of his categorisation ahead of this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix. "I applied," he told media in Barcelona. "I have to do it at some point, so I better got it out of the way. I mean, it's super easy, it's just a form that you fill in and you pay and a week later you have the answer. I was secretly hoping for a Bronze rating; I might appeal the Platinum and get Silver at least!" On the weekend between the this month's Grands Prix in Miami and Imola, Verstappen drove a Ferrari 488 GT3 at the Nurburgring Nordschleife during an open practice day. The 27-year-old claims that he recorded a time below the existing lap record, with this year's Nurburgring 24 Hours event taking place between the Canadian and Austrian Grands Prix in June. That could be convenient for Verstappen, although he'd need more than his Platinum rating. Drivers also must obtain a 'Ring Permit' which comes from racing around Nordschleife in other competitions within a specific time period. For now, though, his focus is on victory in Spain - or at least maximising Red Bull's car. Currently third in the Drivers' Championship behind McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, Verstappen is pessimistic about his chances of retaining the title for a fifth year, as his previously dominant team continue to struggle for consistency this year. "For me, it doesn't really feel like a fight, to be honest," he admitted. "I just try to do my best, have a bit of fun out there. It's not like this season up until this point is going to be in my memory forever." Verstappen, who's won every Spanish Grand Prix since 2022, later added: "It's not that I don't believe. I just walk up to the track and I do the best I can every single weekend. I don't need to believe in it fully or not. "I know that every time that I go out there, I do the best I can. If that's with the car that is capable of P5, I will put it P5. If it's capable of winning, I'll win. "I just approach it very simple, which also doesn't eat up a lot of energy as well. So I have a lot of free time outside of that. It's not like trying to grab [the championship]. I mean, you can try and grab it, but if you don't have the car, there's nothing to grab."
Auto Car
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Car
Toyota chooses UK to build its first GR car outside Japan – and it's down to the nation's "motorsport expertise"
As previously reported by Autocar, Lexus is priming a new flagship sports car that is expected to compete in the GT3 racing series from next year. It is most likely that Motomachi would host assembly of this model, given it previously housed its predecessor, the LFA supercar. The GR division has also been working on an all-new Celica coupé, and is thought to be considering replacements for the MR2 (discontinued in 2007) and Supra, plus a Mazda MX-5 rival. Although the plan to boost GR Corolla production through the UK has not been informed by US president Donald Trump's tariffs, given it pre-dates Trump's presidency, the decision to export from the UK surely benefits the company on that front. The US currently charges a tariff of 25% on all cars imported to the country from abroad, including Japan. However, the UK recently agreed to negotiate a deal that will cut the fee for its exports to 10%, within a national quota of 100,000 cars. Final details have yet to be confirmed but at present Toyota would have to pay a smaller fee on UK-built GR Corollas than those from Japan. The prospect of adding production in the UK also lends weight to the possibility that the GR Corolla – currently offered in only a handful of markets, including the US and Japan – could be set for a launch in Europe. Prototypes were last year spotted testing at Germany's Nürburgring, hinting at a launch. A spokesperson suggested it was standard procedure to test global products at the circuit but did not deny the prospect.
Gulf Today
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Gulf Today
Dubai Autodrome set to host a packed motorsport season
Dubai Autodrome General Manager Faisal Al Sahlawi has said the new 2025-26 motorsport season will be one of its busiest after reflecting on an 'incredible' milestone campaign that attracted a record-breaking attendance at 24H Dubai during its 20th anniversary celebrations. Dubai Autodrome recently closed out its season after hosting more than 15 racing competitions over the last six months. Among the events that took place include the annual endurance motorsport competition, 24H Dubai, which saw more than 70 teams, including the largest GT3, as well as the fifth Asian Le Mans, Formula Regional Middle East Championship, Formula 4 Middle East Championship, Formula Woman Nations Cup and other several regional motorsport events. Furthermore, the venue held more than 80 motorcycle and car track days, and 20 roll racing events for the local community. The season was part of Dubai Autodrome's 20th anniversary, which was celebrated at the 24H Dubai, and Sahlawi believes the upcoming season which will start in October solidifies the venue as a leading destination for motorsport and entertainment in the region. He said: 'We are very pleased with the recent motorsport season, which coincided with the 20-year celebrations of Dubai Autodrome. Overall, there was exciting and competitive racing on the track with bigger grids and an array of top international and regional drivers in action, while off the track, there was a record number of spectators for the 24H Dubai with more than 30,000 attendees for this flagship event. This shows that motorsport is growing in the UAE and is going from strength to strength, which bodes well for the future.' He added: 'Planning is already underway for the new 2025-26 season, and it will be one of the busiest seasons at Dubai Autodrome, as we have the Gulf Historic back, where iconic 1960s cars and historic F1 cars from the 70s and 80s will all be on display, as well as top racing on the track. 'There will also be four international races, including the 24H Dubai, and an array of top regional and local motorsport competitions where we expect to have a greater number of participants during the course of the season.' Off the track, Dubai Autodrome's motorsport season is also contributing to the country's economic growth. Al Sahzlawi said: 'Overall, we had approximately more than 55,000 people be part of our motorsport events from race teams, drivers, and officials, and that saw airlines, hotels and hospitality services benefit greatly, especially with their families and friends also travelling. 'Not only are we pleased to be playing our part to support the UAE's growth beyond the motorsport races but is also a testament to the success of Union Properties' vision of enhancing Dubai Autodrome's position as a leading motorsport hub in the region.'
