The Dubai Autodrome celebrates its 20th anniversary alongside hosting the 20th edition of the Michelin 24H of Dubai, highlighting its legacy in motorsport. A key milestone of this year’s event is the collaboration between HRT Performance and Heriot-Watt University Dubai, which has provided aspiring engineers with invaluable hands-on experience in the world of motorsport. Over the past two decades, the region has emerged as a hub for motorsport, cultivating local talent, building international connections, and expanding its footprint on the global racing scene.
One team exemplifying this growth is HRT Performance, whose commitment to developing motorsport in the Middle East has created opportunities for aspiring engineers and enthusiasts. Kim André Hauschild, owner of HRT Performance, has championed initiatives to involve local talent and establish a robust motorsport network in the region. “We envision using and bringing more know- how here, working with local students, and creating a thriving regional motorsport community in the GCC,” says Hauschild.
For 3 years the German team has already a trusting and empowering partnership with the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) were the team and the Federation gives Arab talent a chance to finetune their skills under their tutelage.
HRT Performance has been pioneering knowledge transfer in the region by partnering with Heriot-Watt University Dubai. Recognizing the importance of practical experience, HRT Performance reached out to the university to provide its Automotive Engineering students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in motorsport. This collaboration has been instrumental in preparing the next generation of engineers and ensuring that local talent can thrive in this competitive field.
Cultivating Local Talent
Three years ago, Joshua Andre Dicolen, a 22-year-old Automotive Engineering student at Heriot-Watt University, joined HRT Performance to pursue his passion for motorsports. Reflecting on his journey, Dicolen said, “Motorsports has always been my passion. Joining HRT Performance was my first step into the real world of racing. The experience was overwhelming but invaluable. The smallest details can make or break a race, and being part of this taught me the importance of precision and teamwork.”
Today, Dicolen has graduated and is back at the Dubai Autodrome with HRT, supporting the team once more.
Similarly, and even more notable, Yousef Taher, a 24-year-old from Jeddah (KSA), started with HRT Performance as one of the first local team members in race engineering. “I love cars and competition, and this was an opportunity I couldn’t resist. Winning hooked me from the start,” Taher shares. Now serving as a team manager for Middle Eastern and European endurance races, Taher is proud to be the only Arab team manager at races like the 24H Series and the Asian Le Mans Series.
Within a year and a half, he progressed from getting his first motorsports experience as an engineering student to now being an integral part of the team as their team manager. He adds, “The work environment in motorsport is thrilling. It’s about strategy, problem-solving, and being prepared for the unexpected. Fixing stuff that comes up suddenly is what I get a sense of satisfaction from. I love that HRT Performance put so much trust in me and gave me this opportunity to step up my motorsports career so quickly. I hope to play a part in growing motorsport in the region and building expertise locally.”
A Bucket List Dream Realized
Motorsport’s allure is not just for students and engineers. This year, Alex Renner, Founder of AR Motors, is fulfilling a lifelong dream by racing the 24H with HRT Performance. “To finish the race is everything,” says Renner. “HRT is a
ALEX RENNER MOTORS® GARAGE LLC P.O Box 283046 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 580 4488 Email: info@armotors.ae Web: www.armotors.ae
great team that feels like family, and being part of this iconic event is a milestone for me. My only wish is to cross the finish line and make no mistakes.”
Looking Ahead
As the Dubai Autodrome celebrates two decades of motorsport excellence, the focus remains on fostering talent and expanding the regional racing scene. With visionary teams like HRT Performance and passionate individuals contributing to the sport, the Middle East is poised for an exciting future in motorsport.
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