From historical black and white footage of cigar shaped motorcars with men strapped in sporting aviator goggles careening around paved tracks, Formula 1 evokes memories of heart stopping crashes, competitive drama and celebrity adulation usually reserved for the likes of the Rat Pack. As the high-octane equivalent of snorting adrenaline off Gisele Bundchen’s stomach while negotiating chicanes and paparazzi in a Bugatti Veyron, F1 embodies the thrill, glamour and danger of one of the most technologically advanced motorsport fixtures in the world. To become a certified F1 location, a city requires the sort of investment that could jumpstart a national economy. “On an international level F1 will raise global awareness of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates and it will have a positive knock-on economic impact,” explains Cregan. “I think you have to go back a couple of steps and look at things from a much wider perspective. Abu Dhabi has a strategic plan, commonly known as ‘2030’ - a vision of how the Emirate’s economy can become a world destination for business and tourism alike and less dependent on oil.”
When Abu Dhabi announced its F1 status, it remained to be seen what innovation the oil-rich city could bring to a sport shrouded in history, legend and international superstardom. “Building a Formula 1 circuit is, in itself, a huge challenge,” says Cregan modestly. From the looks of things the Yas Marina circuit’s designers have come up trumps, presenting a deliciously glowing and amoebic neon structure that’s part Starship Enterprise and part fantasy racing game environ. “ADMM, ALDAR Properties, and world renowned F1 circuit builders Tilke GmbH have worked together to create and deliver one of the world’s most sophisticated and unique motor racing circuits. Yas Marina is packed with innovative features, unique from any other existing F1 track. The Yas Hotel straddles the track allowing guests to experience the sensation of race cars passing underneath and drivers who miss their breaking point at the end of the longest straight in Formula 1 will traverse a run-off area beneath the West Grandstand.” Listening to all this, the words ‘we’re not worthy’ come to mind.
Hosting an F1 race is demanding, not least because of the logistics and organisation that such a spectacle brings with it. The FIA and international regulators, team owners, drivers and media all have intrinsically exacting requirements when working with a new track. One wonders whether it’s worth the headache. “The whole purpose of having Formula 1 in Abu Dhabi is part of the bigger picture of what the Emirate is trying to achieve in terms of attracting business and tourism,” says Cregan. “For anyone who follows global motorsports, it is the most prestigious event in the world. Each race attracts between 300-600 million viewers worldwide and is without doubt one of the most effective ways to promote a city to a global audience. That’s what excites me.”
With Abu Dhabi’s growing stature and ability to attract star power, one wonders whether the Yas Marina GP will rival the glamorous proportions of Monaco. “Obviously, such a high-profile international event is likely to attract domestic and global celebrities,” says Cregan. “Alongside the Olympics and FIFA World Cup, Formula 1 is one of the three truly global spectator events.”
From the legendary chicanes of Nürburgring to the punishing streets of Monaco, F1 tracks are famous for their ability to push drivers and teams to the limit. On seeing the photographs of the Yas Marina circuit, even Lewis Hamilton reportedly said that he couldn’t wait to get out to Abu Dhabi and try out the track for himself. “The first soil was turned in February 2007 and the progress made on site has been remarkable,” says Cregan. “We can’t wait for the day when ALDAR hands over the circuit to us and we have the opportunity to present this marvellous facility to the world.” Scheduled for completion well before this year’s race, ticket sales at the Yas circuit are already brisk.
The thrill and terror of watching an F1 motorcar tear the airspace from under your nose is akin to being a tennis ball in a match between two Nadal-like lawnmowers. With 30 per cent views guaranteed from every seat at the Yas Marina F1, you’ll need a good reason not to go to the UAE’s inaugural race this year.
www.yasmarinacircuit.com
