Amna Al Qubaisi takes top honours

Mohammed Ben Sulayem with participants of the GCC Young Drivers Academy programme. (Supplied photo)

The GCC Young Drivers Academy programme concluded its first edition training programme in Dubai, a Press release said. 
Promising young GCC drivers participated at the first edition of GCC YDA programme after being selected and nominated by motorsport governing bodies in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.  
Emirati Amna Al Qubaisi was selected as the champion of the GCC YDA first edition; Talal Beshara from Bahrain got the second place and Saeed Al Ali from UAE came third.
In addition to the racing elements, the training programme included fitness assessment and other assignments like social media, sponsorship and interviews.
This initiative was a key point on the agenda of the inaugural meeting of GCC Motorsport Committee which took place in Bahrain earlier in March.
"The first edition of the GCC YDA was very successful and we have received positive feedback from all participants, it gave them a practical insight of many aspects in the motorsport world, and we would like to thank everyone who worked on this project," said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, ATCUAE and EMSF President. 
"This initiative will pave the way for the future motorsport stars in the region and allow them to develop their skills in a professional way. I would like to thank FIA for the continuous support given to such projects that aim to create a positive impact on motorsport in the region. We also thank our partners Nissan and Arabian Automobiles," added Ben Sulayem. 
"I would like to thank the ATCUAE for nominating me and giving me this great opportunity to test my skills which will enable me to move forward to my next career level," said Amna Al Qubaisi 
"I enjoyed driving in Bahrain International Circuit, it was a new experience, I learned a lot, the fitness and media sessions were very helpful which I will carry with me in my next career stage. It was a new learning curve, and I'm so proud to be the winner of the first edition of the GCC YDA."   
The circuit training part was conducted on Bahrain International Circuit on Sunday, April 30, while day one of the programme was dedicated to physical fitness assessment and delivery of a number of race specific classroom training modules.