The Middle East and Asia-based Speedcar Series has collapsed following just two seasons, it has been announced - after a rescue deal spearheaded by new boss Claudio Berro failed to save it from financial meltdown.
Preparations for the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November have been 'helped' by the current global credit crunch, it has been claimed - but the same cannot be said for the construction of the new, official F1-X motorsport theme park in neighbouring Dubai.
Plans to construct a Formula One theme park as part of a massive motorsport-orientated development in Dubai have been put on hold as the global economic crisis reaches the Middle East.
Kamui Kobayashi will lead an all-Japanese front-row for the second round of GP2 Asia after snatching pole position from Sakon Yamamoto during qualifying at Dubai.
The six week gap between the first and second GP2 Asia rounds has prompted a variety of changes on the grid, with a total of six different drivers lining up in Dubai that didn't race in China.
With little opportunity apparently on the horizon in either the Indy Racing League or NASCAR ranks for 2009, Paul Tracy could be looking to the Middle East for a regular fix of motorsport action.
BMW-Sauber star Robert Kubica is the most deserving of the three contenders for this year's Formula 1 World Championship - that is the view of Jacques Villeneuve, who claimed the crown for Williams-Renault back in 1997.
Johnny Herbert secured his first championship title since claiming the Le Mans Series laurels alongside Jamie Davies in 2004 when he triumphed in the final two races of the inaugural Speedcar Series in Dubai - and with it clinched the championship crown.
Romain Grosjean could have finished fourth in the GP2 Asia Series feature race in Dubai, but was eventually handed victory when race-long leader Bruno Senna was cruelly denied the win by a puncture four laps from home.
The much-vaunted GP2 Asia Series finally gets underway at the Dubai Autodrome this weekend, with a mix of seasoned veterans and eager rookies all looking to make a name for themselves in the 'winter championship'.
Formula One sensation Kimi Raikkonen yesterday gave an overwhelming thumbs up to the Dubai Autodrome, the Middle East's first fully-integrated motorsports facility, designed by West Surrey Racing, which is set to open in four weeks time.