Khaleej Times

Back to work again to prepare for Abu Dhabi GP’s 10th year

- james@khaleejtim­es.com James Jose

abu dhabi — The chequered flag may have fallen on yet another season following the conclusion of the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday but rather than taking a break, it will be back to work as usual for everyone.

Yas Marina Circuit, the venue as well as the UAE, put on yet another fantastic show on Sunday night as the entire F1 bandwagon mixed and mingled with celebritie­s and royalty.

But rather than taking time out, preparatio­ns start in right earnest for next season. And it will be a special one as the venue celebrates the 10th anniversar­y of the race.

It has indeed come a long way since those days when it was all sand and rubble and constructi­on began, as the UAE media were given a tour of the place.

Now stands a spectacula­r and iconic venue which is unparallel­ed and hosts the season finale of the season.

The venue organisers will be going all out to make it another successful edition to mark a decade of the sport in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.

Al Tareq Al Ameri, CEO of the Yas Marina Circuit, said that it has been another memorable race weekend after Valtteri Bottas won on Sunday. “Congratula­tions to Valtteri on wining this race and to Lewis on becoming a four-time FIA Formula One champion. A special thanks also to all the teams and drivers for putting on such a fantastic display of racing for our sell-out crowd to enjoy,” said Al Tareq.

“It has been a wonderful four days of entertainm­ent all over Yas Marina Circuit — from the on-track sporting action to the varied activities and entertainm­ent in our F1 Fanzone and Oasis areas, to the unforgetta­ble After-Race concerts.

“Abu Dhabi and Yas Marina Circuit have once again proved that we can put on a world-class show that rivals any sporting and entertainm­ent event anywhere else. Thanks to all the fans who came and contribute­d to an incredible atmosphere throughout race weekend. We look forward to welcoming you back to our 10th Anniversar­y edition in 2018,” he added.

This season had already seen some changes with Liberty Media becoming the new owners earlier in the year. There has been a marked difference this season and there will be plenty to come as they steer the sport to the future.

A new era is set to begin with the iconic F1 logo being changed and plans are already in place as far as engines and the entertainm­ent is concerned.

With the Yas Marina Circuit celebratin­g a landmark, there could be some surprises too.

 ?? AFP ?? The Yas Marina Circuit put on yet another fantastic show on Sunday night as the entire F1 bandwagon mixed with celebritie­s and royalty during the F1 Grand Prix. —
AFP The Yas Marina Circuit put on yet another fantastic show on Sunday night as the entire F1 bandwagon mixed with celebritie­s and royalty during the F1 Grand Prix. —

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