AL AIN RACEWAY INTERNATIONAL KART CIRCUIT

Al Ain Raceway is the only CIK International Grade B circuit in the Middle East. The circuit runs anti-clockwise and is well known as a high-speed challenge. The Grand Finals configuration measures 1400 metres and the circuit width varies between 8 and 12 metres. By looking at the circuit map it is plain to see that it is an exceptionally high-speed circuit with plenty of long straights that traditionally provide generous amounts of slipstream-assisted overtaking.

There are 3 magnetic strips around the circuit, allowing those with data-logging displays to view their sector times.

The Start/Finish line is located halfway along the 250-metre main straight, after which a slight left kink leads you at high velocity towards Turn 1, a double-apex left hander. A wide entry is required for maximum exit speed but sufficient grip exists on the inside to present tow-assisted overtaking so you'll have to decide early if a racing-line compromise is needed to defend your position. It's a late apex before you blast down a short straight to the 90 degree left-hander which is Turn 2.

A light touch of the brake is enough to get you round as you set yourself up for the flat-out right-hander, Turn 3, which will sling-shot you into the second sector of the lap and the double-right of Turns 4 and 5. Aim to stick your outer wheels on the extra-black part of the asphalt round here as running out too wide onto the dusty outside will cost you dearly.

A tight exit out of 5 will assist your entry into Turn 6. This conventional left hairpin leads onto the back straight. Turn 6 has quite a late apex and turning in too early often leads to overcorrection and loss of exit speed so we can expect mistakes and position changes aplenty through this section of the lap.

The back straight leads into the infamous Turns 7 and 8, both left-handers. The former is a kink which can be taken flat-out but, the inexperienced beware, as there is only a short distance to straighten up and get your braking done before the parabolic Turn 8. This technical and tricky left tightens dramatically on the exit while the outer kerb stones will suck you onto the run-off if you put a wheel on them.

Turn 9 is a parabolic right-hander that keeps you on a constant bearing through Turn 10, a 100-degree flat-out right. After cutting diagonally across the next straight and into the final sector of the lap you will take both Turns 11 and 12 at high speed. A light touch of the brake may be needed for this double-apex section before you blast down the 200-metre top straight to the final complex.

There will be plenty of slip-streaming going into Turn 13 as you reach the business-end of the lap. The red line can be used as a braking zone marker before turning in and tracing the inner kerb all the way around ready for Turn 14, the final corner. The conventional line is to stay tight on the exit of 13 so you're out wide for 14, but this is the so called "Corner of Champions" and only a Champion will be bold enough to plant it up the inside there. On the exit it's a lazy coast out to the rumble strip and straight back over the line for another lap.