BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi Sign Up for Middle East’s Premier Automotive Event Dubai International Motor Show

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Good news for the hundred thousand motoring enthusiasts expected to visit this year’s Dubai International Motor Show, is the confirmation that Germany’s top three motor manufacturers – Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz - will showcase some of the most exciting models on four wheels during the 10th anniversary event in December.

The big name brands join a growing list of international exhibitors preparing to unveil their latest models, concept cars and technological innovations during the five day event running from 16 – 20 December 2009 at the Dubai International Convention Centre (DICEC).

“With a number of motor shows either cancelled or substantially scaled down, it is testament to the region’s resilience that the Dubai International Motor Show has maintained its scale and importance as the largest and most prestigious automotive event in the Middle East. We are delighted to have such heavyweights as Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz all launching new models during the show,” said James Raffoul, Industry Group Manager, Dubai World Trade Centre.

BMW is scheduled to unveil two of their groundbreaking hybrid vehicles, with the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo and BMW X1 models joining a line-up of models demonstrating BMW’s industry leadership in technology and luxury performance.

“The Middle East is a key market for BMW Group and its importance is reflected in the scale of our participation at this year’s landmark Dubai International Motor Show,” said Phil Horton, Managing Director of BMW Group Middle East. “We are sure that the latest innovations and models taking centre stage on our stand will create the excitement, passion and joy for which BMW is renowned. In addition, this year MINI turns 50 so we’ll have two limited edition models on display that have been produced to celebrate this landmark birthday.”

Celebrating its centenary this year, Audi promises to make a powerful statement at this year’s Dubai International Motor Show by showcasing several of its latest lighthouse models, including the A5 Sportback, an innovative 5-door Coupé concept, the new A5 Cabriolet and the fantastic Audi R8 V10. Jeff Mannering, Managing Director of Audi Middle East, comments “Amidst the financial crisis Audi has moved from contender to industry example, earning strong profits, increasing market shares and hiring in times when others are firing. With the Middle East being one of our core markets, the participation in the Dubai Motor Show is unquestioned and we will use the opportunity to show the source of our success: simply our cars.”

Set to display a total of 17 cars this year, with the fabulous ‘gullwing’ sports car Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG taking pride of place, the premium German manufacturer will also showcase its sporty range of AMG models and highlight its ‘green’ credentials with the debut appearance of the impressive S400 – the first series luxury production car to feature a hybrid drive system with a lithium-ion battery to go on sale in the Middle East and Levant.

Mr Frank Bernthaler, Director of Mercedes-Benz, Middle East and Levant commented: “The Dubai International Motor Show has always been of vital importance to Mercedes-Benz in the Middle East, allowing us to showcase our market-leading range of luxury sedans and SUVs and reach a knowledgeable and growing audience from across the region. And to mark this year’s 10th anniversary, we are planning the Middle East debut of our latest sports car, the fabulous SLS AMG ‘gullwing’, that pays homage to the original vehicle that made its first appearance at the 1954 New York Motor Show.”

Joining Audi, BMW, and Mercedes Benz, exhibitors at this year’s motor show include Aston Martin, Bentley, Bugatti, Daihatsu, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, KTM, Lexus, Mitsubishi, MINI, Peugeot, Renault, Rolls-Royce, Toyota, Shelby Super Cars and Volkswagen, with first time appearances from AC Cars and Luxgen.

The Dubai Motor show also incorporates two events that run in conjunction with the main show – MotorPlus and Motor Parts & Accessories, featuring a host of automotive-related products and services from high-end car finishes, car entertainment, kit cars and racing gear to motor parts and components, accessories and forecourt equipment.
Dubai International Motor Show will be held from 16 – 20 December 2009 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC). For more information, visit http://www.dubaimotorshow.com/

Abu Dhabi Yas Island Marina Grand Prix circuit

Lewis Hamilton Dominates In Abu Dhabi Qualifying

McLaren Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton destroyed the 20 car field in taking the Pole position by an amazing six tenths of a second for the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The event will be held Sunday at the 21-turn Yas Marina circuit and it is making its debut on the 2009 F1 calendar starting in the light of day, and finishing under lights.
For Hamilton and his MP4-24 McLaren Mercedes it was his fourth Pole of the 2009 season (Europe, Italy, Singapore - the others), and 17th of his 51 race F1 career. Tomorrow, Hamilton will go for his third win of the season (Hungary, Singapore - the others) and sixth podium in the last nine Grand Prix.

2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Formula One Starting Line-Up

Formula One’s 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will make history tomorrow as the world’s grandest circus takes to the 21-turn Hermann Tilke designed Yas Marina Circuit. It will be the first day-to-night Grand Prix, and the first Grand Prix under the lights on a ‘proper’ road circuit. Musco Lighting from Iowa (United States) provided the lighting, and they have done a fabulous job!
The circuit is 5.554 km (3.451 miles) long, and the race distance is 55 laps.
Although it could be said that the drivers and teams will be racing for pride since Jenson Button and Brawn GP wrapped up F1’s drivers and constructors championships at the last round in Brazil, there is at least one significant fight between two old foes – McLaren & Ferrari – as the silver arrows have a one point lead over the red cars for third place in the constructors battle
For McLaren, 2008 Formula One World Driver’s champion Lewis Hamilton will start from Pole and give his team a decided advantage heading into tomorrow’s race as Ferrari’s best hope for point Kimi Raikkonen will start 11th. Further still, Hamilton will have a very long run down to Turn one, and with KERS available to him once he hits 100 Mph, we don’t see any other outcome than Lewis leading after Turn One.
Hamilton is slightly lower on fuel (658.5 kg) compared to the Red Bull cars of Sebastien Vettel (663 kg) and Mark Webber (660 kg), but will be of no concern unless by some freakish streak of fate Hamilton exits Turn One in P2 or P3. And even if he does, Hamilton was nearly seven tenths quicker than either Red Bull.
We expect Lewis Hamilton to pit around lap 17-19 and use a two stop strategy. By the first pitstop, he should have a 12-14 second advantage if he is able to hold up his qualifying pace in the race. We expect Vettel and Webber in around laps 18-21, with Vettel able to go a lap longer than Webber. They may go even a bit beyond as the Renault powerplants have shown better fuel economy over the course of the season than the rest of the field.
A bit further back, the Brawn GP boys will line-up fourth (Barrichello) and fifth (Button). We don’t expect either driver to be a significant factor for the race win given they were over 1.1 seconds adrift of Hamilton carrying less fuel. But the boys will be racing to see why exactly Brawn GP should be keeping 2009 World Champion Jenson Button, and why they are letting Rubens Barrichello go to Williams. Over the second half of the season… the better driver hasn’t been the world champion. We expect Barrichello in on lap 16-18, with Button in on lap 17-19.
As for our pick for the race win. All signs point to McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton. Should he stumble, it out to be a great fight between Vettel and Webber, though we’d expect Vettel to take the day as he was quicker in qualifying, and had more fuel.

Enjoy the 2009 formula One season finale. Someone will be the first winner of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and will put their mark on history!

2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Starting Line-up & Car Weights Pos Driver Team Weight (kg) KERS

1. Hamilton McLaren 658.5 K

2. Vettel Red Bull 663.0

3. Webber Red Bull 660.0

4. Barrichello Brawn 655.0

5. Button Brawn 657.0

6. Trulli Toyota 661.0

7. Kubica BMW 654.5

8. Heidfeld BMW 664.0

9. Rosberg Williams 665.0

10. Buemi Toro Rosso 661.5

11. Raikkonen Ferrari 692.0* K

12. Kobayashi Toyota 694.3*

13. Nakajima Williams 704.0*

14. Alguersuari Toro Rosso 696.5*

15. Alonso Renault 708.3*

16. Liuzzi Force India 695.0*

17. Sutil Force India 696.0*

18. Kovalainen McLaren 697.0* K

19. Grosjean Renault 710.8*

20. Fisichella Ferrari 692.5* K

FORMER FRENCH FORMULA 1 STAR PAUL BELMONDO NEW BRAND AMBASSADOR FOR SAINT HONORE

Parisian luxury fashion house SAINT HONORE announced the signing of former French Formula One star and actor Paul Belmondo as a brand ambassador to endorse its range of products creating an association with the world of racing.

Born on April 23, 1963, Paul is a successful former French racing driver who raced in Formula One for the March and Pacific Racing teams. He is the son of legendary French actor Jean-Paul Belmondo and grandson of sculptor Paul Belmondo.

Paul Belmondo has made a smooth and successful transition from the world of Formula I into show business and epitomizes Parisian style that is synonymous with SAINT HONORE.

Through 1987 Paul participated in Formula 3 and Formula 3000 too. In 1992 he joined the March F1 team as a pay driver. Two years later he became a member of the Pacific Grand Prix team, where he qualified for two races. Thereafter he concentrated on GT racing, at the wheel of a Chrysler Viper GTS-R. He started his own team, Paul Belmondo Racing which raced in the FIA GT Championship and Le Mans Endurance Series championship.

SAINT HONORE has created a special watch - the Orsay Black Racing limited edition in honor of this prestigious ambassador and the watch is now available to watch lovers and racing fans in the Middle East region.

Developed in conjunction with Paul Belmondo, the Orsay Black Racing chronograph has featured in the greatest world car races like the Paris-Dakar and the Le Mans 24 Hours.

The 2009 model of the Orsay Black Racing is available in two versions: black PVD case or stainless steel case.

Both finishes magnify the aesthetic qualities of the model and promote the technical features - 3-counter chronograph movement to 1/10th of a second - of this watch produced in a limited series of 250 for each version.

“Vintage” spirit, bold finishes - the tradition of Orsay Black Racing watches draws its inspiration from the "beautiful cars" of the 1970s: dial with alternating smooth, guilloche and brushed surfaces; black or white pierced leather straps decorated with red topstitching emphasizing the sophisticated, masculine feel of the watch. This watch will clearly catch the eye of male enthusiasts of racy elegance and strong sensations.