Three kart drivers are to get a chance to drive a Formula Gulf 1000 single-seater car thanks to their impressive performances in the Dubai Autodrome Motor City Karting Championship.
The prize had initially been for the top two drivers in the championship but it was increased to three to include Piers Pakenham-Walsh, who would have been in the top two but was disqualified in the final race at Dubai Kartdrome on Friday after his kart lost its transponder.
He will now join the championship winner Alexandre Silanine and Philipe Valenza for the test, which will happen before the end of the UAE motor racing season, which finishes next month.
Hamish Brown, the Dubai Autodrome general manager, said of including Pakenham-Walsh: "Piers had showed consistency and maturity in his driving and approach. After discussion with Barry [Hope, the Formula Gulf 1000 principal], it was agreed that we would extend the test drive opportunity to him as the training could be carried out viably together."
Hope said: "I think everyone present understood that Piers, an extremely talented and hard working young racer, suffered a very unfortunate technical failure which put him out of contention.
"We therefore are very happy to include Piers in the Formula Gulf 1000 test session with Philippe and Alexandre.
"Philippe Valenza and Alexandre Silanine both showed their skills and competitiveness with close racing and a tight championship right down to the last race.
"Racing was close and shows the talent that the UAE has and is coming through with grids increasing - we all hope working together this continues."
* Agency
