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Student becomes first from the UAE to win an F1 career

Abu Dhabi - Having been selected from hundreds of entries and beating nine other finalists from across the emirates in an intense shootout event at the Dubai Autodrome, 23-year-old Solaiman becomes the first ever winner from the UAE.

A university student from the UAE has been awarded the career opportunity of a lifetime in Formula One.
The Petroleum Institute Abu Dhabi student, Shihab Solaiman, was named the winner of Infiniti Engineering Academy 2016. 
Having been selected from hundreds of entries and beating nine other finalists from across the emirates in an intense shootout event at the Dubai Autodrome, 23-year-old Solaiman becomes the first ever winner from the UAE.
He will spend six months working at the Formula One team's headquarters in Enstone and six months at Infiniti's European Technical Centre in Cranfield. With F1 Technology more relevant to the automotive industry than ever, he will play a key role in the ongoing transfer of technical knowledge and expertise between the Renault Sport Formula One team and Infiniti.
This unique automotive-to-motorsport training programme for brilliant young engineers has attracted 4,108 registrations from 44 different countries. Many of the previous winners have gone on to secure full time careers in the automotive and motorsport industries.
Commenting on his win, Shihab Solaiman said: "It's an incredible feeling. I still can't believe that I have won! All of the other contestants were extremely prepared and competitive. I now have to concentrate and do my very best to prove that I am a worthy winner, and make the most of this fantastic opportunity." Tommaso Volpe, global director, Infiniti Motorsport, commented: "The extraordinary level of interest in this year's Infiniti Engineering Academy has been absolutely fantastic. Students have seen the accomplishments of our academy's graduates, who have gone on to forge successful careers in the automotive industry. This has meant that more students than ever want to use the academy to gain vital engineering experience and launch their own careers.
"With F1 becoming more and more relevant to the automotive industry and an increased focus of the placements this year being on the road car development, we are training a new generation of engineers who will play a key role in the crossover between the two industries", concluded Volpe.
Winner profile
> Name: Shihab Solaiman
> Age: 23
> University: The Petroleum Institute
> From: Abu Dhabi
> Biggest positive impact in life: "My Dad, he worked hard for everything he has and never takes anything for granted in life."
> Greatest strength: "I am very committed to the things that I am passionate about." 
reporters@khaleejtimes.com