The dream of moving from “virtual to reality” is one step closer for eight of the region's fastest race game-players following their selection at the GT Academy Middle East's (GTA ME) regional final. Having attracted thousands of entrants, the Middle Eastern competition also made history in its inaugural year by providing the first-ever female GT Academy regional finalist. The selection process took place over the course of two exciting, but grueling, days of evaluation in Dubai. Here their gaming, fitness and racing abilities were assessed along with their ability to handle the media – a key requirement of a racing driver – and the group was shortlisted to an elite of just eight. Those skillful few will go head-to-head with South African finalists to compete for the coveted prize of an intensive race training program in the UK which climaxes with the winner racing for Nissan's pro team behind the wheel of a Nissan 370Z GT4 Nismo race car at the inaugural Silverstone 6hr Endurance race held at the world famous Silverstone circuit in September. Faieza Al Kendi from the UAE, the only lady ever to have qualified for any GT Academy regional final, said: “Competing at the regional final is very different as you are sitting next to the other players in front of a crowd so it's more intense. But it's been fun and very interesting meeting all the people who made the regional final - I wasn't expecting to get this far. I was trying really hard but I'll definitely enter GT Academy Middle East next year and will be more prepared and will do much better.” “GT Academy is a unique competition offering a life-changing opportunity for those lucky enough to win,” said Lucas Ordonez, winner of the inaugural GT Academy in 2008. “The competition itself was a wonderful experience but since then I have raced at many of the world's most famous circuits alongside many of the best drivers, and lived a life I had only dreamt of before GT Academy.” To mark the success of the GT Academy Middle East contestants, an event was held in Dubai with VIP guests including Mohammed bin Sulayem, the region's most successful rally driver and now FIA Vice President and chairman of the Arab Council of Touring and Automobile Clubs (ACTAC). Five previous GT Academy winners from around the world, who competed in the Dubai 24 Hour race over the weekend, were also in attendance including the 2008 inaugural GT Academy winner, Lucas Ordonez. Mohammed ben Sulayem, FIA Vice President and chairman of the Arab Council of Touring and Automobile Clubs (ACTAC), said: “Interest and participation in motorsport is growing rapidly across the region and GT Academy has a part to play. GT Academy particularly stands out as a means to encourage people of all backgrounds to achieve the dream of becoming a racing driver. The region's most famous racing driver in years to come could easily be discovered through GT Academy and that is an exciting prospect.” “Nissan took the bold decision to start GT Academy so those with the talent but no other way in to motorsport had the chance to realize their dream – becoming a racing driver,” said Samir Cherfan, Director, Marketing and Sales, Nissan Middle East. “This globally respected and unique competition has been discovering talent which has endured on a professional basis in the sport ever since and now we hope it is the turn of competitors from the Middle East to shine. All 23 who reached the regional final should be proud of what they have achieved, and we wish the qualifiers every success in Silverstone.” Robert Fisser, General Manager of Sony Computer Entertainment in Middle East, Africa, Turkey and India commented: “We're delighted with the reaction to GT Academy Middle East from those who are most important to its success – the game players and aspiring race drivers of the region. In its first year, GT Academy Middle East has clearly struck a chord and we look forward to building on its success in 2013. Well done to all who took part and good luck to those heading over to the UK – we have every confidence in you.” — SG
