motoring news 44 May 2022 www.bahrainthismonth.com A MIDDLE EAST DEBUT FOR AUDI SKYSPHERE Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) Chief Operating Officer Fayez Ramzy Fayez was appointed to the role of Race Director for the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) 2022 season. Fayez was in France for the ELMS pre-season testing at the Paul Ricard Circuit in the French commune of Le Castellet, which hosted the first of six meetings scheduled until October across Europe, with other rounds set to take place in Italy, Spain, Belgium and Portugal. The ELMS is a European endurance racing championship organised by Le Mans Endurance Management, which is also the organiser of the World Endurance Championship. There were forty-two cars competing in the 4 Hours of Le Castellet, supported by additional races including the Michelin Le Mans Cup and The Ligier European Series. Fayez’s role of Race Director for ELMS is the latest of many top-tier assignments throughout his career in all categories of international motorsport. Aside from his role as BIC COO, he is also the Clerk of the Course for the annual F1 Bahrain Grand Prix and has also been the Deputy Race Director for the World Endurance Championship. In addition, he is a member of the FIA Circuit Commission and is also an FIA Track Inspector. Audi has previewed the first member of a new family of concept vehicles in Dubai at a private media event. The Audi Skysphere concept is the name of the electric-powered, two-door convertible based on the Audi design of tomorrow. The concept car was the surprise showing during the event which also marked the regional previews of the new Audi A8 and S8 models and was displayed at the ‘Tomorrow Today’ exhibition at the Museum of the Future during the Holy Month of Ramadan. With it, the brand is illustrating its vision for the progressive luxury segment of the future, with features that include autonomous driving, a revolutionary interior and a seamless digital ecosystem. With the touch of button, drivers of the Skysphere can either pilot their 4.94-metrelong e-roadster themselves in ‘Sports’ mode with a reduced wheelbase, while the rear-wheel steering ensures that the vehicle remains extremely agile despite its dimensions. They can also choose to be chauffeured around in a 5.19-metre GT in the autonomous ‘Grand Touring’ driving mode while enjoying the sky and the scenery, maximum legroom, and the services offered by a seamlessly integrated digital ecosystem. BIC COO APPOINTED RACE DIRECTOR!
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