Abu Dhabi: Yas Marina Circuit CEO Al Tareq Al Ameri was glued to the television set, just like millions of Formula One fans from across the globe during the penultimate Brazilian Grand Prix.

With the Championship war between Mercedes teammates Nico Rosberg and reigning champion Lewis Hamilton going to the wire — a win for the German would have not only brought down the curtains on the Brit but also taken away the sheen off the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

It rained cats and dogs during the Brazilian GP but the storm stayed away and Hamilton ensured that the crowning glory moment was stretched to the twilight of the UAE’s desert track.

And like most fans here in the UAE, Al Ameri too was thrilled with the result that ensured that the Formula one season’s climax would unfold here in the Emirates. “The Championship is in the final stages and we were hoping the drivers would leave some work to do in Abu Dhabi, and that’s what they have done. Which is great,” said Ameri, who took over as the CEO of the capital circuit in 2014.

Rosberg and Hamilton have clinched nine victories apiece in 2016 and though reliability issues have dashed Hamilton’s title defence, he sits just 12 points behind his teammate.

“For us, it’s less about who we want to win the Championship and more about making sure the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix offers our fans the title decider. This year we have witnessed amazing on-track action and I am expecting nothing less next race weekend!” added Ameri, who acknowledged that Hamilton’s victory was a huge boost for Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and has piled on the excitement levels.

Title decider

“It’s always thrilling having the title decider come down to the last race of the season, it really makes it something to look forward to and I have no doubt it will be an end-of-season showdown to remember,” said Al Ameri, whose icing on the cake are the support races — GP2 and GP3, whose champions will also be crowned here.

“Not only will next week’s F1 come down to the wire but we will also see the GP2 and GP3 titles being decided — a huge thrill for the tens of thousands of fans who will join us at Yas Marina Circuit on race weekend. It’s one thing to experience all the sounds, sights and emotions of motorsport — it’s another to see not one but three championship deciders being played out in front of your eyes. This will be a historic weekend of action and we can’t wait for it to get started,” said Al Ameri, who surely will be now burdened with the task of handling the last minute influx of F1 fans for the title decider.

“It being our eighth Grand Prix, we have the planning and delivery well coordinated. Every year, we look to develop and add to the overall customer experience; we have to remember, we see a lot of the same fans return and it’s important they see improvement and innovation,” said Al Ameri, adding that, they always look forward to adding value to visitors’ experiences.

“When you factor in the entertainment and after race concerts line-up we have on offer, it’s set to be a fun-filled, action-packed weekend! During race weekend, we’ll see 60,000 people from more than 170 countries soaking up the history, technology, glamour, bravery and skills associated with Formula 1.

“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,” asserted Al Ameri, who felt that an open championship is always nice but is not essential to lure more people.

Extra excitement

“Primary for us is maintaining the right time of year in terms of weather and a pre-holiday window for international visitation. But when the drivers and teams come to the event battling for the championship, there’s extra excitement and also the media attention increases which is good for Abu Dhabi,” revealed Al Ameri, adding that he and his team’s emphasise on off-track action as much as what’s happening on the track.

“This year, Thursday is set to be the biggest Thursday we have ever had with Mr Worldwide, Pitbull, performing combined with the Public Pit Lane Walk where the racegoers can get up close to their heroes. We also have The Chemical Brothers playing on the Friday, Lionel Richie on Saturday and Rihanna on Sunday — all this as well as the array of live entertainment in the Oasis areas. The food and beverage options, Yasalam festival across the capital, free access to Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld. It’s truly an event for all the family,” said Ameri, who also revealed that he was happy to keep Abu Dhabi GP as the last race on the F1 calendar and was not looking for any change for the moment.

“For us, the November window works best and we need to stay focused on delivering the best Abu Dhabi GP we can. We can’t control the F1 championship but there are many other things in our control and these we look to deliver brilliantly and improve on constantly. Preparation for the event is a 12-month process for us, as soon as we finish one Grand Prix, we’re into a delivery programme for the following year,” informed Al Ameri, adding that it was important that after every Abu Dhabi GP they wrap up with a really good understanding of what worked well and where they can innovate.

“Customers’ tastes and expectations change over time and we need to always present a relevant and up to date, thrilling mass audience experience. Due to this, no matter where we are on the calendar, we will always strive to provide the best level of entertainment and race action.”