Abu Dhabi Grand Prix tickets selling at F1 pace

Interest from fans in overseas markets is also driving demand for a variety of packages.

With fewer than 10 weeks remaining, Formula 1 Etihad Airways Grand Prix's best priced seats have nearly sold out.
According to Yas Marina Circuit, some ticket categories for the Lounge North, Abu Dhabi Hill and West Grandstand have sold out completely, with limited availability remaining across individual ticket categories in both the West Grandstand and Marina Grandstand.
Now in its seventh year, Abu Dhabi's Formula 1 Grand Prix, taking place on November 27-29, is offering fans 60,000 seats, with tickets for the three-day race costing between Dh1,000 to Dh4,685.
"We have ... (already) reached capacity across a selection of ticket packages for the 2015 weekend," said Al Tareq Al Ameri, CEO of Yas Marina Circuit. "We are delighted with the sales so far and I would urge anyone thinking of purchasing a ticket to do so before it's too late."
Interest from fans in overseas markets is also driving demand for a variety of packages. Last year, international fans made up almost 50 per cent of the total visitor numbers and the 2015 race is expected to attract a similar split.
Corporate guests are particularly keen on this year's hospitality packages, with the all-new Marsa Suites being snapped up by eager companies. With tickets starting from Dh8,427 per person for two days of the race, the new package offers some of the best seats, located on the first floor of the Marina Grandstand right above the support pits.
Other corporate hospitality packages include Marina Bay Suites, Al Dhiyafah, Al Jood, Trackside, Sundown Terraces and the most luxurious of them all, the Dh19,900 per person for the three-day race Paddock Club, located directly above the driver garages overlooking the pit lane. Away from the racing action, Formula 1 comes this year with its usual entertainment events, particularly the after-race concerts only open to Formula 1 ticket holders and the free Yasalam concerts, exhibitions, sport challenges and games on Abu Dhabi Corniche.
silvia@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi