Abu Dhabi gears up for triple treat

Top Stories

Abu Dhabi gears up for triple treat
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is a hit with the social media users

Abu Dhabi - Yas Marina Circuit is the jewel in Abu Dhabi's crown

By Ashwani Kumar

  • Follow us on
  • google-news
  • whatsapp
  • telegram

Published: Tue 22 Nov 2016, 6:13 PM

Last updated: Wed 23 Nov 2016, 4:51 PM

Most hot spots in the UAE are under the shadow of its glitzy neighbour Dubai but when it comes to motor racing, the paradigm shift is absolute.
Yas Marina Circuit is the jewel in Abu Dhabi's crown that shines brightly not just in the region but globally. Now, the spectacular venue will be witness to an enthralling Formula One World Championship finale between Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.
The end-of-the-wire decider has grabbed international media attention and much-deserved acclaim.
However, the F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will also decide the winner of two other drivers' titles - GP2 and GP3, thus beholding the credentials of the iconic circuit. This arguably will be the first-ever for a circuit to host not one but three deciders.
In the GP2 series, three drivers - Antonio Giovinazzi, Pierre Gasly and Raffaele Marciello - stay in the hunt for glory. The GP2 Series has been F1's official support championship since it was founded back in 2005. Previous stars include Hamilton, Rosberg, and many others.
Meanwhile, in the GP3 series, vying for the title will be ART Grand Prix's and Scuderia Ferrari Team development driver Charles Leclerc, Alexander Albon, also from ART GP, and Trident and Ferrari Driver Academy's Antonio Fuoco.
Yas Marina Circuit CEO Al Tareq Al Ameri is ecstatic about three championship deciders to be held at a circuit.
"We are thrilled for the tens of thousands of fans who will join us here 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 played out in front of your eyes. This will be an historic weekend of action and we can't wait for it to get started."
"We are very proud that the Circuit has become home to FIA-accredited championships like the F4 UAE and other race series, as well as a second home to thousands of runners and cyclists every week. But now it's time for F1."
On the preparations at the facility, he said: "The work that goes on behind the scenes to prepare for race weekend is incredible to be a part of. We have honed our logistical operation over the years since our first Grand Prix in 2009 to ensure that spectators get the best possible race weekend experience."
""This is the fruition of 12 months' careful planning."
Also, the circuit is expected to break social media records.
The circuit's Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube channels and user-friendly YasHUB F1 experience management app are all set for record views, downloads and engagements.
Triple title showdown means the circuit could smash last year's record total of 5.7 million online engagements.
Yas Marina Circuit sales and marketing director Nick McElwee said huge resources have been dedicated to social media channels to provide all data to a visitor or a viewer.
"We have already seen a jump in engagement following the outcome of the Brazilian Grand Prix and are fully expecting the title-deciding battle between Lewis and Nico to make Grand Prix weekend at Yas Marina Circuit the region's most influential sporting event."
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com


More news from