Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is set to host the F1 in Schools World Finals in Autumn next year, just prior to the 2014 FORMULA 1 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX. The announcement was made at the F1 in Schools World Finals 2013 held in Austin, Texas last week, with a symbolic hand-over of an F1 in Schools car from F1 in Schools Founder and Chairman, Andrew Denford to Al Tareq Salem Al Ameri, Senior Director of Commercial, Yas Marina Circuit.
 
The F1 in Schools World Finals 2014 will bring students from across the globe to the UAE capital for the second time and after the success of Austin, with 38 teams and 22 countries represented this year, the number of teams and students is expected to rise even further for the Abu Dhabi event.
 
The educational initiative, which takes place across 42 countries, aims to help change perceptions of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) by creating a fun and challenging learning environment for young people to develop technical skills and spark their interest in pursuing careers in engineering, science, and technology.
 
Andrew Denford says of returning to Abu Dhabi for the World Finals, "It's great to be heading back to Ferrari World again! It feels like the natural home for an F1 in Schools World Finals, giving the students the thrill of the F1 rides and entertainment in the park alongside the excitement of our competition. The World Finals teams loved it in 2012 and next year’s event will also allow the students to experience the newly opened Water Park during their day off. We will be giving all students and guests access to the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit which follows on immediately after our Gala Dinner Awards Celebrations on Thursday evening. We already have country registrations for what will definitely be our biggest event ever!"
 
Mike Oswald, General Manager of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, commented, “We are looking forward to hosting the F1 in Schools World Finals 2014. Last year, we were able to witness the passion, creativity and engineering excellence displayed by the schools first-hand and we were amazed at the dedication shown by the teams.”
 
“At Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, we believe education across the core STEM subjects is integral to the future of the UAE and we actively develop partnerships to encourage and ignite passion in students for this particular area,” continued Oswald.
Student teams participating in F1 in Schools will race miniature cars that they have self-designed and manufactured, in a series of competitive track competitions. Epitomising the passion and drive for excellence that its legendary brand Ferrari stands for, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the ideal location for the students to experience the excitement of the challenge.
 
The F1 in Schools competition has grown year on year since its birth in 2000, and has successfully proven to be an excellent outlet for young talent and in helping students realise their hidden potential while also participating in the initiative.