Formula Drift->ke3405 and Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management are joining forces to bring Formula D to the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi in what will be an inaugural invitational event. Eight of the series’ top drivers and their cars will be transported to the UAE for what will be the first world-class drift event in the Persian Gulf region.

“The partnership with Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management is a perfect fit to introduce the Formula DRIFT UAE Invitational Competition,” said Jim Liaw, president and co-founder of Formula DRIFT. “Even though drifting has been to the UAE before, we are excited to bring a world class combination of the world’s most advanced circuit along with the world’s leading drifting series.”

The lucky drivers include 2-time Formula DRIFT champion and 3-time X-Games Gold Medalist Tanner Foust, 2010 Formula DRIFT rookie of the year and past Scandinavian champion, Fredric Aasbo, 2009 Formula DRIFT champion, Chris Forsberg, Darren McNamara, Ryan Tuerck, and Daijiro Yoshihara. Two more spots are still up for grabs and will be announced at a later date. This is exciting for the sport and will mark a historic world first come February 25th next year.

Richard Cregan, Chief Executive Officer of the Yas Marina Circuit had this to say: “I am delighted that motorsports fans in Abu Dhabi and the UAE will get to experience the spectacle of Formula DRIFT at Yas. Drifting will add a new dimension to the range of motorsports offered here and I believe it will attract a large following, just as drag racing has.”

The inaugural event will serve as a perfect pre-season taster for the 2011 championship and provide the drivers with good practice in searing desert temperatures, which should test both man and machine to their limits.

.