Monday, November 12, 2011- The Asian motorsport ambassador, Meritus.GP (www.Meritus.gp) have again followed the recommendation and encouragement of Mohammed Ben Sulayem (FIA Vice-President and President of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE) to fund for the second consecutive year a prize for the winner of the kart race on November 19-26 where 264 drivers from 60 different countries are to

race in four different categories (DD1- 32.6 horsepower engine, Junior Max 20.4 horsepower, Senior Max – 28.5 horsepower and the DD2 Masters – 32.6 horsepower) in the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals at the Al Ain Raceway.

After winning the 2010 event, 14-year-old winner Emirates-born Edward Jones won the Meritus.GP prize of a free one-day Formula BMW development test at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. This year, the winner will be provide a two-day scholarship test to train in the Meritus.GP car competing in the JK Racing Asia Series which has just returned from competing at the first ever Grand Prix of India at the Buddh International Circuit.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA Vice President and President of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE is thrilled that the event has returned to Al Ain after the emirate first staged the race in 2007 and commented: ” I am happy that Meritus have again taken this significant step because it sends the right signals out to the youths, that talent will be recognized. It is important to encourage young talent from the grass-roots, and karting is

where the sport begins”, Sulayem said while welcoming Meritus’ initiative to now fund a two-day development programme for upcoming drivers at the Sepang circuit in a Meritus.GP car.

Peter Thompson, President and team founder of Meritus.GP said: We have an in-house motorsport responsibility programme and we are delighted to support His Excellency’s initiative and to encourage young UAE karters. We are the only truly Middle East team that offers all the steps on the motorsport ladder from karting to the doorstep of F1 and we have a responsibility to find and educate young karters and their families in their transition to formula motorsport and we are proud to support Al Ain Raceway and encourage young drivers from the UAE to take up the sport.