Gear up for a weekend of high-octane thrills with our guide to the 2013 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – trackside and citywide
F1 fanatics
Thrill-seeking ticketholders should take a pit stop to check out the entertainment happening in and around the track.
Circuit-wide entertainment
Korean tyre sculptor Yong Ho Ji is one of this year’s trackside acts. This talented artist recycles old tyres and turns them into incredible works of art. A selection of Yong Ho’s finest pieces will be on display; lion and horse sculptures by the main entrance, and a hammerhead shark at the Paddock VIP Lounge. The sculptor will carve an F1 car entirely out of tyres over the course of the weekend.
Also, prepare to be amazed by the contact jugglers. Watch as they glide plastic balls over their bodies as if attached by an invisible force.
Fans of electronic music should check out Sol’ Eclectic, also known as Melissa and Band. Expect jazz guitar, sax, lounge and funky house tracks. Sets vary from chill-out to power dance.
Alternative folk and country singer songwriter Abbo will also be making an appearance. Abbo has spent the last few years travelling around the world with his guitar and has played in New York’s Greenwich Village, Bondi Beach in Sydney, London, France, Beirut, Qatar and in the Philippines.
Acoustic jazz band Zazous will perform covers of Django Reinhardt and other artists from the 1920s to 1940s swing era.
Behind the scenes
We meet the Yas Marina Circuit team members who are working around the clock to make this year’s Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix a success.
“With over half a billion viewers expected across the F1 season and a nation watching, it makes me proud to be part of the Yas Marina Circuit team delivering what is described by drivers and teams alike as ‘the best circuit in the world’.”
Mark Lynch, Head of operations
“I can’t wait to be in the pit lane with the sound of the F1 cars rushing through my veins.”
Nahla Al Rostomani, Assistant circuit manager
“It’s exhilarating to think that this year’s fifth anniversary Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be followed by people around the world, though of course it means that the pressure is on to really deliver.”
Tom Lloyd-Jones, Communications consultant
“I feel lucky that as a Ferrari technician I had the chance to visit almost every track in the world. Now I feel proud to be part of the team at the best circuit of them all!”
Gianluca Pilot, Motorsport engineering section head
After-race concerts
Thursday 31st October – Arab superstars, Amr Diab, Hussain Al Jassmi and Elissa
Friday 1st November – Shawn ‘Jay-Z’ Carter
Saturday 2nd November – Muse (Matt Bellamy, Chris Wolstenholme and Dom Howard)
Sunday 3rd November – Depeche Mode
No ticket? No problem
There’s something for everyone at this year’s Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, even for those of us who are strapped for cash. Make your way down to the Corniche and check out the following…
The F1 FanZone is back, open to the public from 24th October to 3rd November, located on the East Plaza.
The best view of the final races is from the FanZone’s giant outdoor screens. Grab the best seats and don’t forget your earplugs!
Fancy yourself as the next Vettel? Strap yourself into an F1 race car stimulator and hold on tight. Manoeuvre hairpin bends, fire down straights and pull off wheel spins. Afterwards hop on the Podium Photo Finish stage for a photo opportunity as you claim your prize. Or pose next to a real F1 car to get up close and personal with a genuine engineering marvel.
And finally have a go at changing the tyres of an F1 car in a real-life pit stop challenge. Compete with friends and family and race against the clock to complete the challenge as quickly possible.
Beats on the Beach
US rapper Ludacris and singer songwriter Sean Kingston are the latest big names to be added to the lineup of global talent for Yasalam’s free Beats on the Beach festival. The stars are set to perform on Friday 1st November. Jamacian-American star Kingston is expected to perform hits including Beautiful Girl and Fire Burning, with Ludacris fans hoping to hear Stand Up and his latest hit All Around the World.
Filipino sensations Gary Valenciano and Vina Morales will headline the first Yasalam Filipino night on Thursday 31st October, with Arabic artists Assi El Hellani and Shamma Hamdan performing on Saturday 2nd November.
A host of other performers covering a cross section of music tastes will also perform at the music festival. For the full lineup and timings visit: www.yasalam.ae
This weekend…
Get your stickers and silly string at the ready for the Yasalam car parade-taking place on Yas Island on Friday 25th October. Decorated cars will be on display from 12.30pm and the parade starts at 2pm.
Drivers assemble at the du Forum, then make their way along the Yas Leisure Drive to the Yas Plaza, where they will be joined by the iconic Abu Dhabi police band, and a children’s parade with kid’s wearing car-themed costumes.
To participate in the parade register your car online at www.yasalam.ae
It is worth taking a spin out to the new and improved Yas Marina. Dine al fresco at one of the new restaurants, while the kids get their faces painted, participate in arts and crafts activities, or play on the bouncy castle. A variety of musicians, singers and DJs will perform live on Friday 25th October from 12am to 12pm.
Dining and entertainment options include newcomers Diablito Food and Music, for Spanish tapas, Aquarium – Thai seafood restaurant, Café d’Alsace – French and German café and bakery, and Rozanah, for Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Catriona Doherty
