Abu Dhabi: On November 1, when the sun rises, a new chapter in the UAE's sporting history will be written with the hosting of the Formula One season finale - the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Only 29 days remain before Abu Dhabi unveils the 'Marhaba Motorworld' banner.
It seemed like it was only yesterday when the then Formula One champion Fernando Alonso, along with a group of star drivers, scorched the make-shift track on the capital's Corniche in February 2007 after Abu Dhabi signed a seven-year deal to stage the sporting event that is in the same class of the soccer World Cup and Olympic Games in terms of popularity.
'Unbelievable', 'awesome' and 'incredible' are words which may fall short to describe the Yas Island circuit ever since the first soil was laid in February 2007. For one who has been a regular visitor to the progress, changes have been fast and imposing, but though thousands of unsuspecting motorsists drive past by on the Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway, Yas Marina Circuit is still a hidden marvel.
October 30 is the day when the majority of the 50,000-plus ticket holders will get their first taste of 'Yas' magic, but by then the city, the country and the region would have surely fallen a victim to Formula One fever. The Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management (ADMM) has laid out a wholesome package of entertainment, support races and side events building up to the main race.
After day races and night races, Abu Dhabi's inaugural event will be the first ever day-night race. A 5pm start with sun-set expected around 5.45 pm and the 55-lap race finishing in the night, it is the perfect stage for Abu Dhabi and the UAE to reach millions of viewers around the globe.
While a major part of the 50,000-plus spectators that will descend on the UAE set to experience the now-famous Emirati hospitality, millions watching the races live in over 180 countries, will soak up the sights and sounds of Abu Dhabi.
The 2009 Formula One season started in Melbourne with Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello creating history with a 1-2 finish for Brawn, a team new to Formula One. It was the first one-two since 1954 when Juan Manuel Fangio and Karl Kling performed the feat for Mercedes-Benz.
And four weeks from now, Abu Dhabi is also set to add to that historic start as it unveils one of the most technologically advanced racing circuits, dotted with some of the most iconic structures.
If you are yet to lay your hands on a ticket, rush, you may still be able to be part of sporting history, to one of the biggest sporting events to be staged in the UAE.
Are you looking forward to attending the F1 Grand Prix? Will it help boost UAE's reputation as a sporting capital of the region?
Your comments
I think the cost of the ticket is too high.
Prasad
Hyderabad,India
Posted: October 04, 2009, 13:43
I feel immensely proud to be part of a history in making, though as a mute spectator. It is an outstanding achievement for UAE, especially for Abu Dhabi, to host an event like Formula 1. It would would have been much better and greater achievement had UAE had its own team of formula one racers. Hope, in the near future UAE will have one and we will get a chance to cheer our own team. All the best UAE.
Abdullah Madumoole
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: October 04, 2009, 08:37
Very well done Abu Dhabi, Mabrook UAE! Yes I wish I could attend, maybe next year though... and from then on, Inshallah! It's yet another great achievement for UAE and the larger-than-life thinking behind the idea should definitely prove succesful. Yes, becoming a "sporting capital" of the region is ever closer to become reality, especially with the underlined attempt to display the nation's noted sense of hospitality. Wish you the best UAE!
Suzan
London,UK
Posted: October 04, 2009, 03:18
