ABU DHABI ON EVE OF MOTORSPORT AND MUSIC SPECTACULAR AS YAS MARINA CIRCUIT PREPARES FOR #ABUDHABIGP WEEKEND
Yas Marina Circuit opens its doors tomorrow for the start of four thrilling days of racing action, live performances and trackside entertainment
aTP- Arab tourism portal-Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, – The world’s greatest theatre-on-wheels rolls into Abu Dhabi tomorrow [Thursday] for the start of the 2015 FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX.
Over the next four days, the global motorsport spotlight will once again turn to Yas Marina Circuit as it hosts what is sure to be an epic finale to the 2015 Formula 1® season.
A crowd of 60,000 people is expected to soak up the unique atmosphere of Grand Prix racing as the world’s most talented drivers take to the iconic circuit. And an all-star line-up of the biggest acts in entertainment will thrill crowds with a series of live performances.
“It’s hard to describe Abu Dhabi Grand Prix race weekend at Yas Marina Circuit – there are so many things for so many different people to enjoy,” said Al Tareq Al Ameri, CEO 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 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.”
The drama kicks off on Thursday, 26thNovember with a line-up of regional artists representing the Arabic language’s best vocalists. The music icon Cheb Khaled will be joined by the Emirati songstress Aryam, the Lebanese star Fares Karam, and the guru of Arabian electronic dance music DJ Said Mrad.
Then on Friday, 27thNovember, 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, the 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 28thNovember when Saturday 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. The British Indie-rock band Florence + the Machine will take to the stage that evening.
Then the day that Abu Dhabi has been waiting for: the 2015 FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX on Sunday, 29thNovember.
Who will come out on top in the battle between World Champion Lewis Hamilton and his resurgent teammate Nico Rosberg for honour and momentum leading into next season? Will Ferrari drivers Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen send a signal to the grid that they’re back on form? Who will win the titanic scrap for mid-table drivers’ and constructors’ championship points? Blur, one of the most successful British bands of the past two decades, will provide a dramatic conclusion to the race-day action with a live performance of their hits at du Arena.
The Formula 1® finale at Yas Marina Circuit is supported this year by GP2 and GP3, with the GP3 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 won since the very 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.
