The new Gulf 12 Hours endurance race is set to take place this coming winter at the Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi. The invitation-only event aims to support the continued, sustainable growth of motorsport in the United Arab Emirates whilst attracting a wider variety of teams and drivers to the region, without negatively impacting the Dubai 24 Hours.

The race is open to a maximum of 48 cars from GT2 to GT4, one make series like the Porsche Cup and Ferrari Challenge, CN2 sports cars and a limited number of touring cars. The event will be the first endurance race held at Yas Island.

The Gulf 12 Hours is promoted by Driving Force Events, a company directed by Andrea Ficarelli, former head of communications at the Benetton and Toyota Formula 1 teams.

Andrea Ficarelli said: “Over several months we conducted thorough market research with teams, drivers and other promoters; we found a 12 hour race in the region was an attraction to European and Asian teams otherwise unwilling to take part in something longer.

“This confirmed a space to introduce a new, successful endurance event, targeting a group of competitors who wouldn’t have considered racing in the Middle East previously.”

Further information will be released in the coming days.