Abu Dhabi in pole position as it waits for the green light

[davewilson]

With only a few days to go before Abu Dhabi welcomes to its streets the Emirate’s first ever Formula One Festival, the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and its partners are working hard to ensure the Saturday February 3rd event goes down in the history books.

The half-day event is free for the public and the action starts at 9.00am. Big crowds are expected to flock to the street circuit, which starts at the Emirates Palace and winds its way along Abu Dhabi’s waterfront to Marina Mall.

Local residents could not have missed the hundreds of safety barriers that have begun to be installed along the track. Construction is also underway on the VIP grandstand, where guests will enjoy prime viewing position for the “doughnuts” and exciting stunts set to be performed by the world-class drivers

“The F1 Festival is a credit to the people of Abu Dhabi as very few cities in the world would be able to create an event of this size and stature,” said His Highness, Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.

“It promises to be a truly memorable experience for the entire family, so we encourage people to set their alarm clocks and make sure they don’t miss a minute of the action.”

Designated parking areas will be set-up for the day at Marina Mall car park, next to the Hilton Hotel, and between the Intercontinental Hotel and the Al Bateen Marina. However, as road closures are expected to start taking effect from 9am spectators are encouraged to arrive early.

The F1 Festival action will start from 9am and eight giant screens are being placed along the route to make sure no one misses a moment of action.

Tens of thousands of earplugs will be given out to the crowd, and are set to be a much sort-after accessory once the F1’s start revving their engines. Oasis Water will be providing complimentary water to ensure the crowd doesn’t go thirsty.

International experts are working alongside local specialists, the police force, hoteliers, Marina Mall and many other organisations to create an unforgettable event. Everything is being planned to ensure maximum entertainment is delivered at the highest level of quality and safety for the thousands of spectators expected to descend on the Corniche, as well as the F1 drivers themselves. ACTUAE, the official FIA representatives in the UAE are set to provide all race officials for the demonstration.

The Stig

[Wizzo]

It is official now. Already under construction, the track for the 2009 Grand Prix event is situated on a 2,550 hectare, natural leisure island, Yas Island, situated on the east coast of Abu Dhabi and only minutes away from the Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Sheikh Mohammed had earlier, along with Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Al Maktoum and many other high ranking officials witnessed the Abu Dhabi Formula One Festival.

“A Formula One Grand Prix is one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events, in the same category as an Olympic Games or World Cup (football), and is unrivalled in terms of continuous global resonance. That is why this new partnership is such an exciting one for Abu Dhabi and the entire UAE,” said Shaikh Mohammad.

“For Abu Dhabi, and indeed the whole of the UAE, the opportunities that are presented by increased international attention and connectivity will deliver very real macro-economic benefits,” he said.

Ecclestone said Abu Dhabi was selected ahead of five other countries. “We are delighted to welcome Abu Dhabi into the Formula One family, and look forward to a long and successful partnership. Abu Dhabi’s hospitality, the genuine warmth of its people, and ever increasing number of world class facilities, will ensure that its round of the FIA Formula One World Championship is a wonderful addition to the Formula One calendar,” he added.

Ecclestone also emphasized that Abu Dhabi was not replacing any of the current venues and would be a venue for a long, long time. He also indicated that he was looking to limit the Formula One championships to 20.

“The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix track is being constructed by ALDAR Properties and is designed by renowned Formula One circuit designer Hermann Tilke, said Khaldoon Al Mubarak.

“Abu Dhabi will bring its own unique culture, landscape and fans to the F1 experience,” he said. “The track design alone is an indication of the visionary approach we are taking and I am confident we will deliver something truly special,” he added.

“Spectators will enjoy high speed action played out on three distinct sections of the 5.6km circuit, including high speed areas ending in tight overtaking turns, a street section and a marina section. Each section of the circuit combines to deliver an unrivalled viewing experience.”