RACE TRACK /SPORTS CARS
the need for speed
Wheelie a Powerturn buggy
You can try a different kind of dune buggy at Al Forsan in Khalifa City – a Powerturn has two drive wheels turning at different speeds, meaning it can change direction, swerve, drift and spin in the blink of an eye. It can also do wheelies, even when turning round a corner. As a result it can be driven around an off-road track quicker than a conventional buggy.
Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, daily 2pm to 11pm, price on request. Tel: (02) 5568555. Taxi: Al Forsan. alforsan.com
Take your own car to Yas
If you’ve ever wanted to put your car through its paces, you can at the city’s F1 track. Yas Marina Circuit hosts Yas Track Days, where you can bring your own wheels for a half or full day and get driving tips from the track’s coaches.
Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi, daily 9am to 11pm, from Dhs552. Tel: (800) 927. Taxi: Yas Marina Circuit. yasmarinacircuit.com
Learn to be a racer
Yas Marina Circuit also offers you the chance to take an FIA Assessment Racing Licence Course, where you’ll have a one-hour classroom training session, plus a 30-minute assessment on the track where you’ll need to show you understand race lines, circuit etiquette and car control. If you pass, you then have to take a medical to get your licence from Abu Dhabi’s Automobile And Touring Club (check out their website for more: atcuae.ae) Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi, daily 9am to 11pm, price on request. Tel: (800) 927. Taxi: Yas Marina Circuit. yasmarinacircuit.com
Drive a Ferrari
Fast cars are as common as camels in the UAE – but if you can’t afford to buy one but would still like to take one for a spin, then head to Ferrari World, where you can drive a red Ferrari around the streets of Yas Island. You must be over 21 years old to get behind the wheel.
Ferrari World, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, daily 11am to 8pm, from Dhs695. Tel: (02) 496 8000. Taxi: Ferrari World. ferrariworldabudhabi.com
Supercars at Drive Yas
It’s not just Lewis Hamilton and Co (and cyclists and runners) who can do a few laps on the iconic 5.5km track. Joe Public can take a spin in a variety of high-octane performance machines, including an Aston Martin GT4, a Ferrari 458GT, Jaguer F-Type S Coupé, Chevrolet Camaro’s and even Formula Yas 3000 race cars that have a 3000cc, V6 engine.
as Marina Circuit, Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi, daily 9am to 11pm, Dhs500 to Dhs4,000. Tel: (800) 927. Taxi: Yas Marina Circuit, entrance 20. yasmarinacircuit.com