The Emirates-sponsored Team McLaren Mercedes driver Kimi Raikkonen transferred his racetrack skills to a flight simulator under the guidance of Emirates Maltese captain Cliff Chetcuti. The high-flying Formula One driver took the controls of the Airbus A330-200 full flight simulator during his recent Dubai pit-stop en route to the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai.

Another Maltese captain, Sam Refalo, operated the simulator controls and, as a special treat for Kimi, configured the visual display database to Zurich Airport, near Kimi’s home in Switzerland.

The 26-year-old Team McLaren Mercedes driver, who has raced in 102 Formula One Grand Prix, practiced landings and take-offs in the simulator on its Zurich visual scene, and also tried out the Dubai International Airport visual database.

Afterwards he said: “It was a fantastic experience and I’d like to thank Emirates for giving me this opportunity. I can’t really compare it to Grand Prix driving, but maybe my driving techniques helped with some of the controls.”

His visit to Emirates Aviation College came after he thrilled onlookers in Dubai with a spectacular street demonstration of his Team McLaren Mercedes MP4/20 Formula One car.

The advanced $20 million Airbus A330-200 flight simulator at Emirates Aviation College South Campus is one of four simulators on the campus (A310-300, B777-200, A330-200 and A330/ A340 convertible), which train Emirates and third-party airline pilots. Emirates Aviation College North Campus also houses the Emirates-CAE Flight Training (ECFT) joint venture, which operates a further 10 simulators.