Sotheby’s Collectors' Week in Abu Dhabi: When Roarington Takes Center Stage

The week leading up to the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi (December 4–7, 2025) promises to be a highlight for enthusiasts of automobiles, art, and collecting. Roarington and The Classic Car Trust will play a central role in the inaugural Sotheby's Collectors' Week through the high-profile forum “The Future of Collectibles” on Wednesday, December 3, and through their engaging presence throughout the week at the magnificent St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi.
Here, guests will have the exclusive opportunity to experience two Roarington Simulators, designed by Pininfarina and Zagato to compete in a virtual race with the legendary Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing No. 417, winner of the GT category at the 1955 Mille Miglia on the Yas Marina Circuit, do some 1000 Miglia time trial exercices or experience the digital twin of the Ferrari F40 which will later be auctioned by Sotheby’s in the very same room. Naturally, the three fastest lap times on the Yas Marina Circuit will be awarded prizes. The simulators will be located in the grand exhibition space displaying the collector cars to be auctioned by Sotheby’s on December 5.

Roarington Driving Simulators by Pininfarina and Zagato let guests race virtually in the legendary Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing No. 417, winner of the 1955 Mille Miglia GT class, on the Yas Marina Circuit.

A major highlight will be The Classic Car Trust Forum: “The Future of Collectibles – Perspectives from Heritage and Innovation”, held on Wednesday, December 3, once again at the St. Regis – the true headquarters of the entire event. The panel discussion, moderated by Fritz Kaiser, Founder of Roarington, will explore the challenges and opportunities brought by generational shifts, emerging technologies, and evolving lifestyles.

The Ferrari F40 being auctioned by Sotheby’s on December 5 can be driven on the Roarington simulators as a Digital Twin, an authentic digital counterpart of the car.

Distinguished speakers include Marcus Breitschwerdt, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Heritage, Benedetto Camerana, President of MAUTO – Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile, Markus Gross, ETH Professor and Chief Scientist at The Walt Disney Company, Josh Pullan, Global Head of Sotheby’s Luxury, and Mohammad Ali Alkamali, Chief Trade & Industry Officer at the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, will animate the debate.

At the heart of the discussion will be the Roarington cultural and technological platform, which bridges past and future, bringing to life new worlds in both physical and digital spaces and creating new ways for people to connect, express themselves, and feel part of a global community.

The Classic Car Trust Forum will be held on Wednesday, December 3, and will be presented and moderated by Fritz Kaiser, who will lead the discussion on “The Future of Collectibles.”