Driving in Deauville...

The FEI is pleased to confirm that the FEI Driving Event in Deauville (FRA) to be held from 19-23 September will be the final qualifying event for entry into the FEI World Cup™ Driving season 2007/2008.

Here the Driving competition will consist of two phases, the standard marathon phase and, on the second day, a combined cones and obstacle course very similar to the courses used for the indoor season.

The proposal to hold such a specialised event was put before the leading FEI World Cup™ Drivers at their meeting held with the FEI during the final of the last FEI World Cup™ Driving season in GOTEBORG. The Drivers were unanimous in their support of the new concept as it allows Drivers who may be new to the indoor competition format with an opportunity to experience a 'indoor style' course ahead of taking part in the indoor series.

The Deauville Organisers will invite the leading fifteen drivers from the FEI Rankings as they appear after the FEI World Cup™ Qualifying event to be held in Szlivasvarad (HUN) from 10-12 August.

Invited Drivers, whilst not being required to participate in Deauville unless they wish to do so, will be attracted to the event by the bonus points on offer and the attractive prize money available.

Michael Freund (GER), recently retired from International Competition, a winner of previous FEI World Cup™ Driving Competitions and now a member of the FEI Driving Technical Committee, commented 'This is a very good idea as Drivers who might be new to Indoor Driving will have the opportunity to compete on a course that will be similar to what they will experience during the FEI World Cup™ competition'.

Further details will be circulated to FEI National Federations and FEI World Cup™ Drivers shortly.