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Finding the track with a lot of things to do in between

The galleries and other spectator areas were all sold out a week before the 2014 Abu Dhabi F1 GP. For those venturing into being a spectator for the most prestigious motoring series in the world, a few more tips may come in handy.

Abu Dhabi — Now, the big race starts at 5pm (UAE time) and should in normal circumstances be over by 6.30pm-7pm. The main tip to pass on is — be there at the Yas Marina circuit at least 2-3 hours before start. There’s a lot of things to do actually while warming up for the show.

The Yas Circuit complex is huge. It is an understatement actually when one tries to explain the enormity and complexities involved in setting up a leisure cum tourist destination of such kind and magnitude.

If one follows the sign boards and keeps to the 40km/60km per hour speed limits, driving will be a pleasure at the complex. In fact road life is normal and the way it should be — civilised with total regards to another user and the pedestrian.

For those travelling from Abu Dhabi city, a bus ticket from the public bus stand will be close to Dh10 while a normal taxi will have the meter reading clocking around the Dh60-Dh70 mark when you reach the Gate area.

There’s no sound of horns, flashing of lights, overtaking and sudden breaks as the smartly clad traffic police personnel are absolutely strict on blockages and unruly driving during the weekend F1 GP event.

The galleries and other spectator areas were all sold out a week before the 2014 Abu Dhabi F1 GP. For those venturing into being a spectator for the most prestigious motoring series in the world, a few more tips may come in handy.

For the fans who will be coming from the other emirates, the final main road to use (when headed towards Abu Dhabi city direction) is the Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Road before you divert to your right after the final Yas Marina sign board.

One gets on to the Shaikh Maktoum bin Rashid Road from the various artery/trunk route highways/motors available to the residents here.

Once inside the Yas Marina area, keep to the direction that reads ‘Leisure Drive’ and then — plaza hotels. Keep looking to the left when pointed towards the plaza hotels direction for the Gate numbers.

In between, one also gets to see the Parking meant for all categories.

Racegoers have an unforgettable weekend ahead of them with a wide variety of on-site entertainment to suit all tastes, ages and interests, the organisers say.

The Heritage Village in the North Oasis area; the Majlis lounge in the F1Village; the West Oasis where one can enjoy classic car displays and try their hand at the ‘Pit-Stop Challenge; the beach, F1 style — South Beach located in the South Oasis with the sounds of steel drums and reggae from the stage in the vicinity; the Yas Kartzone, and the rock show concerts at the end of the day’s main show on the tracks, are just a few of the many activities set up for the occasion.

All Oasis Areas are open to all F1 ticketholders.

All you have to do is hop on to the Yas Marina circuit courtesy shuttle or the circuit circular to move around the different Oasis Areas.

moni@khaleejtimes.com