HRT Performance Foster Local Motorsport Talent
Pioneering Educational Partnership at the Michelin 24H of Dubai
• Educational Partnership: HRT Performance collaborates with Heriot-Watt University Dubai to provide Automotive Engineering students with practical motorsport experience, fostering local talent.
• Local Success Stories: Students like Yousef Taher and Joshua Andre Dicolen have excelled with HRT Performance, gaining skills and advancing in the competitive world of motorsport.
• 20 Years of Motorsport Excellence: Dubai Autodrome celebrates two decades as a motorsport hub, hosting the iconic Michelin 24H of Dubai.
• Dreams Realized: Alex Renner, Founder of ARMotors (ARM®), fulfills a lifelong ambition by racing in the Michelin 24H with HRT Performance.
Dubai, UAE, January 8th, 2025 – The Dubai Autodrome celebrates its 20th anniversary alongside hosting the 20th edition of the Michelin 24H of Dubai, highlighting its legacy in motorsport. A key milestone of this year’s event is the collaboration between HRT Performance and Heriot-Watt University Dubai, which has provided aspiring engineers with invaluable hands-on experience in the world of motorsport. Over the past two decades, the region has emerged as a hub for motorsport, cultivating local talent, building international connections, and expanding its footprint on the global racing scene.
One team exemplifying this growth is HRT Performance, whose commitment to developing motorsport in the Middle East has created opportunities for aspiring engineers and enthusiasts. Kim André Hauschild, owner of HRT Performance, has championed initiatives to involve local talent and establish a robust motorsport network in the region. “We envision using and bringing more knowhow here, working with local students, and creating a thriving regional motorsport community in the GCC,” says Hauschild.
For 3 years the German team has already a trusting and empowering partnership with the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) were the team and the Federation give Arab talent a chance to finetune their skills under their tutelage.
A Partnership in Education
HRT Performance has been pioneering knowledge transfer in the region by partnering with Heriot-Watt University Dubai. Recognizing the importance of practical experience, HRT Performance reached out to the university to provide its Automotive Engineering students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in motorsport. This collaboration has been instrumental in preparing the next generation of engineers and ensuring that local talent can thrive in this competitive field.
Cultivating Local Talent
Three years ago, Joshua Andre Dicolen, a 22-year-old Automotive Engineering student at Heriot-Watt University, joined HRT Performance to pursue his passion for motorsports. Reflecting on his journey, Dicolen said, “Motorsports has always been my passion. Joining HRT Performance was my first step into the real world of racing. The experience was overwhelming but invaluable. The smallest details can make or break a race, and being part of this taught me the importance of precision and teamwork.”
Today, Dicolen has graduated and is back at the Dubai Autodrome with HRT, supporting the team once more.
Similarly, and even more notable, Yousef Taher, a 24-year-old from Jeddah(KSA), started with HRT Performance as one of the first local team members in race engineering. “I love cars and competition, and this was an opportunity I couldn’t resist. Winning hooked me from the start,” Taher shares. Now serving as a team manager for Middle Eastern and European endurance races, Taher is proud to be the only Arab team manager at races like the 24H Series and the Asian Le Mans Series.
Within a year and a half, he progressed from getting his first motorsports experience as an engineering student to now being an integral part of the team as their team manager. He adds, “The work environment in motorsport is thrilling. It’s about strategy, problem-solving, and being prepared for the unexpected. Fixing stuff that comes up suddenly is what I get a sense of satisfaction from. I love that HRT Performance put so much trust in me and gave me this opportunity to step up my motorsports career so quickly. I hope to play a part in growing motorsport in the region and building expertise locally.”
A Bucket List Dream Realized
Motorsport’s allure is not just for students and engineers. This year, Alex Renner, Founder of AR Motors, is fulfilling a lifelong dream by racing the 24H with HRT Performance. “To finish the race is everything,” says Renner. “HRT is a great team that feels like family, and being part of this iconic event is a milestone for me. My only wish is to cross the finish line and make no mistakes.”
Looking Ahead
As the Dubai Autodrome celebrates two decades of motorsport excellence, the focus remains on fostering talent and expanding the regional racing scene. With visionary teams like HRT Performance and passionate individuals contributing to the sport, the Middle East is poised for an exciting future in motorsport.
About HRT Performance
HRT Performance, based in Hamburg, Germany, is a premier racing team renowned for its dedication to motorsport excellence. With a strong foundation in precision engineering, strategic innovation, and a passion for speed, HRT Performance has carved a name for itself in the competitive world of racing. The team participates in various motorsport events, including endurance and sprint races and combines technical expertise with a collaborative approach. HRT Performance values competition, teamwork, and continuous improvement in its racing efforts. HRT Performance continues to elevate the standards of motorsport, solidifying its position as a leader in the global racing arena.
About the Dubai Autodrome
Established in 2004, the Dubai Autodrome is the UAE’s premier motorsport and entertainment venue, offering world-class facilities and hosting prestigious international events.
