GABRIEL BORTOLETO TO JOIN F1 WITH AUDI The driver pairing for Audi’s entry into Formula 1 in 2026 has been set. One of the most promising talents for the future will represent the four rings in the pinnacle of motorsport: Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto, 20, will drive alongside German Nico Hülkenberg, 37, for Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber next year, which will transform into the Audi F1 factory team in 2026. The experienced Hülkenberg, who was confirmed in April, and the promising F1 rookie Bortoleto form a wellmatched driver pairing for Audi’s Formula 1 project. Hailing from São Paulo, Bortoleto made a strong impression in 2023 by dominating his debut season and winning the FIA Formula 3 Championship. He is currently leading the FIA Formula 2 Championship standings. His career began at the age of six in karting, and by twelve, he had moved to Europe with his family to pursue his Formula 1 dream. Joining the future Audi F1 factory team now gives Bortoleto the opportunity to show his talent at the highest level of motorsport. ICONS OF PORSCHE FESTIVAL SEES ANOTHER RECORD YEAR The fourth edition of the Icons of Porsche festival attracted a sell-out crowd of over 28,000 fans across two days at the Dubai Design District in Dubai, UAE last month. Many famous faces from around the Porsche world attended the event, highlighted by Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board at Porsche AG. Thousands of Porsche owners and enthusiasts attended to share their passion for the brand and its cars. Members of Porsche car clubs and communities from around the world all came together in Dubai for the event, cementing Icons of Porsche’s reputation as the biggest car festival in the Middle East region. The 44,000sqm also featured live art installations, cultural exhibits live music and entertainment, and community gatherings. The new generation of the MINI Cooper Convertible perfectly embodies the brand’s ‘Always Open’ philosophy. The folding roof opens fully automatically in just 18 seconds, allowing the driver to always enjoy the breeze and sunshine. Whether in the city, on country roads or on the highway, the MINI Convertible offers pure freedom and unmistakable driving pleasure. The open-top four-seater combines space-saving proportions with fascinating open-air driving fun. With the MINI Cooper Convertible, one of the most emotional models in the new MINI family returns to the MINI plant in Oxford - the home of the British premium brand. For an extra dose of sunshine, the fully automatic soft top can be opened in two ways: either like a sunroof or fully retracted. This is still unique in the premium small car segment. The soft top disappears behind the rear seats to save space and can also be conveniently stowed in the luggage compartment when folded down. In the new MINI Cooper Convertible, open-air fans can enjoy every moment, even with the soft top folded back. MINI is using the Always Open Timer again for exactly this purpose. On the OLED display of the central instrument, this shows the open travel time travelled by the minute and thus offers fresh air fans a dose of playful ease. NMISTAKABLE DRIVING FUN IN THE NEW MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE motoring news Bahrainthismonth.com December 2024 91
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