Arnaud Bouf is determined to put in a driving masterclass at the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Final at Al Ain Raceway at the weekend.
The Frenchman won the DD2 Masters category in the 2001/11 UAE Rotax Max series and is in the Emirates team taking part in the world's biggest karting competition.
"It is very satisfying to be representing the UAE," he said. "I have lived here for 11 years, and I would love nothing more than to win a trophy and help to bring the UAE flag to the top step of the podium."
The finals saw their first track action at the Raceway yesterday as drivers from around the globe got their first look at the circuit during a free practice period.
Bouf is hoping to continue the form that saw him win eight races in a row last season.
Also competing for Team UAE are Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa and Mohamed Al Dhaheri in the DD2 category, Abdullah Al Rawahi in the Junior Max, and Sanad Al Rawahi and Patrick Jarjour in the Senior Max category.
Bouf, like the rest of the UAE team, has raced a lot at Al Ain, and he is optimistic that local knowledge will be an asset.
"Of course, racing in the Grand Finals on our home circuit - Al Ain Raceway - is in one respect an advantage, but there is also a lot of pressure to do well."
The annual event is being held in Al Ain for the second time after first being staged at the racetrack in 2007.
A total of 264 drivers, aged from 13 upwards, are taking part in the competition, and many of them have been in Al Ain since Saturday, when registration began.
A raffle was held on Sunday at the track with competitors drawing lots for which kart they will be racing this week, to ensure that the issuing of the machinery is completely random and fair.
More practice takes place today, with sessions beginning at 10am, with the first qualifying taking place tomorrow.
Qualifying heat races take place on Thursday and Friday with the finals of each category being held on Saturday, with a prize-giving ceremony afterwards.
* Agency
