Abu Dhabi: Excitement is building up in Abu Dhabi ahead of this weekend’s Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit.
Organisers said on Wednesday that a sell-out crowd of 60,000 is expected to watch the finale to the F1 season between Friday and Sunday.
There are also after-race concerts to enjoy on each of the three nights.
“It’s hard to describe [the] Abu Dhabi Grand Prix race weekend at Yas Marina Circuit — there are so many things for so many different people to enjoy,” said Al Tarek Al Ameri, chief executive officer of Yas Marina Circuit. “The whole circuit is buzzing and it’s a special time for Abu Dhabi, its locals and visitors.
“Over the next four days, thousands of people from more than 170 countries will be soaking up the history, technology, glamour, bravery and skills associated with Formula One. Ever since we hosted the first day-night Grand Prix in 2009, we have seen incredible scenes unfold at Yas Marina Circuit — and I’m sure this year will be no different.”
The entertainment begins on Thursday with a line-up of regional artists representing the Arabic language’s best vocalists.
Cheb Khaled will be joined by the Emirati songstress Aryam, Lebanese star Fares Karam, and the guru of Arabian electronic dance music, DJ Said Mrad.
On Friday, the Formula 1 cars will take to the circuit in the first of two practice sessions to hone their engineering and aerodynamic settings. Later that evening, singer, songwriter and actor Enrique Iglesias, known as the King of Latin Pop, will perform at du Arena.
The action heats up a notch on Saturday when qualifying decides how the race grid will line up.
Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg will be pushing hard to make it a third pole position in a row and outdo his teammate, Lewis Hamilton, the 2015 world champion.
British Indie-rock band Florence and the Machine will take to the stage that evening.
The following day, the Grand Prix itself will be held.
In the evening, Blur, one of the most successful British bands of the past two decades, will end proceedings with a concert at the du Arena.
The Formula 1 finale is supported this year by GP2 and GP3, with the latter series coming to Abu Dhabi with the drivers’ championship still very much alive.
While ART have already secured the teams’ crown, their French driver Esteban Ocon is just two points behind Trident’s Italian star Luca Ghiotto, with the two Yas Marina Circuit races to come. Ghiotto has won three times in 2015, while Ocon has not triumphed since the first round in Spain — but an astonishingly consistent season has seen the French driver on the podium on 12 other occasions to keep him firmly in the hunt.
There’s plenty more off-track entertainment at four themed Oasis areas that feature activities including autograph sessions, F1 simulators, hair-and-nail makeover stations and an area where you can learn about the UAE’s culture and heritage.
Complementing the musical performances are a host of street and stunt acts. The parkour zone provides an interactive challenge, while acrobats, street dancers and a bartender show ensure there are activities for the whole family to enjoy.
To maximise your F1 weekend experience, download the YasHUB smartphone app: at http://www.yasmarinacircuit.com/en/formula-1/yashub-app.
