The circuit will be utilised to host safety seminars and train motor sport officials and will act as a hub for improving motor sport safety standards across the Middle East region.

FIA Institute President Sid Watkins said:

“The circuit’s facilities epitomise the high standards expected by the FIA Institute and will be used as a foundation to develop and deliver our safety training and educational activities in the Middle East. We very much look forward to working with the BIC team on these safety programmes which we are convinced will have a hugely positive influence on the future of motor sport in the entire region.”

The circuit was selected because of its high standards and its ongoing commitment to improving safety facilities as well as educating and training track-side staff.

The BIC is the second circuit to be awarded Centre of Excellence status by the FIA Institute. The Paul Ricard circuit in Le Castellet, Southern France was the first recipient of the award in 2006. In January this year it hosted the inaugural FIA Institute Safety Summit, which was hailed as a huge success.