Postcard from Abu Dhabi
Saturday ,12 November 2011
It’s hard to believe that this is only the third year of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, so successful has the event been at establishing itself as one of the highlights of the calendar
F1 already had one track built in the desert in the form of Bahrain, but Abu Dhabi proved to be totally different, as the government wanted it to be something special – the best facility in the world, to be precise. And few would deny that they achieved their aim, since the track and its surroundings look like something from a futuristic computer game.
What makes Abu Dhabi so unique is that it is a permanent track but one that, at least in parts, resembles a street circuit. It includes a marina that helps to ensure there is a little Monaco flavour, and on race weekends, it is packed with yachts.
But the real signature is the hotel in the centre of the track. Now known as the Viceroy, it was designed to look like a whale, and includes the iconic bridge section that crosses over the track. For those lucky enough to stay there, and enjoy a short walk to the paddock each morning, Abu Dhabi is a truly enjoyable experience. There’s even entertainment in the hotel each evening – this year Eddie Jordan and his rock band are playing on the rook each night!
The track itself might not have too many challenges or give the drivers the sort of buzz they get at Monaco, Spa or even Delhi, but it’s everything around it that makes it so special. The circuit is just part of the massive project to make Yas Island into a destination in its own right, with hotels, shopping malls, apartments and golf courses eventually covering the whole area, which already features the spectacular Ferrari World theme park. It’s hard to envisage how the place will eventually look, but each year there are signs of progress.
In its first two years Abu Dhabi had a special spot as the final race of the season, and of course last year it hosted the memorable championship decider, which saw Sebastian Vettel crowned as World Champion. We don’t have that excitement this year, and there is still one race to go, but Abu Dhabi remains a special event for everyone involved in the sport.
Credit: Sahara Force India Formula One Team (www.forceindiaf1.com)
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