Mubadala brings Ferrari F1 magic to Abu Dhabi

Original Article

Test your driving skills for the opportunity to race against current World Champion Kimi Räikkönen.

Mubadala Development Company (Mubadala), an Abu Dhabi-based business development and investment company, is giving the UAE’s F1 fanatics a unique opportunity to be involved in their Scuderia Ferrari sponsorship in Abu Dhabi’s Marina Mall, during the holy month of Ramadan.

As part of Mubadala’s sponsorship of the most successful Formula One™ team in the sport’s 58 year history, Scuderia Ferrari’s current world champion, Kimi Räikkönen, will fly to Abu Dhabi to meet and greet his UAE fans.

Racing fans will enjoy the entire Ferrari experience in 3D from September 1st, as part of a specially-developed two and a half minute video developed by Mubadala.

Running for the entire month, this high-energy screening, being shown in Arabic and English, brings the Scuderia Ferrari team to viewers in a way never seen before here in the United Arab Emirates. It is an exclusive opportunity for motorsport buffs to learn about the sport in a fun and interactive manner.

In addition, Mubadala will host the Ferrari Interactive Zone, where the nation’s up and coming drivers can pit their skills in a specialised F1 driving challenge.

Taking place on a state-of-the-art driving simulator, enthusiasts can get behind the wheel of one of the sport’s most iconic race cars to test their driving skills against their friends.

When the competition closes on the 21st September, racers with the best-lap times will get a once-in-a-life time opportunity to pit their skills against Ferrari’s racing legend, Räikkönen, in a head-to-head battle.

In 2005, Mubadala purchased a 5% stake in Ferrari, and has been a sponsor of the Scuderia Ferrari team since 2007. The sponsorship was recently extended its 2010.

The newly-negotiated sponsorship – which sees an additional year added to the original three- year deal signed in early 2007 – now covers Mubadala’s involvement in Abu Dhabi’s first two Formula One Grand Prix in 2009 and 2010.

The new deal raises Mubadala’s visibility throughout the 2008-2010 seasons through more prominent branding on the nose cone of Ferrari F1 cars, renewed access to the drivers and test drivers, Mubadala branding at Fiorano – Ferrari’s Italian test track - and Ferrari’s Räikkönen, and his team-mate, Felipe Massa, contracted to wear Mubadala-branded caps.

The event was launched on 1st September and will run through 30th September 2008 at Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi, and will be open daily. Entry is free of charge.


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About Mubadala Development Company

Mubadala Development Company (Mubadala) is a Public Joint Stock Company headquartered in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates. Its focus is on developing and managing an extensive and economically diverse portfolio of commercial initiatives.

It does this either independently or in partnership with leading international organizations. Mubadala’s commercial strategy is fundamentally built on long term capital intensive investments that deliver strong financial returns.

The company manages a multi-billion dollar portfolio of local, regional, and international investments, projects and initiatives. Through its investment and development projects, Mubadala is both a catalyst for, and a reflection of, the drive for economic diversification of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Its impact is evident domestically and internationally in sectors such as energy, aerospace, real estate, healthcare, technology, infrastructure, and services.

Mubadala’s sole shareholder is the Government of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. For more information about Mubadala, its partnerships and activities please visit www.mubadala.ae.