Go Beyond | Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2015

“Last year was a tremendous success and we are looking to build on that in 2015.” Al Tareq Al Almeri

Yesterday I was fortunate to join local and international media in one of the pit garages at the Yas Marina Circuit for the press conference to launch the 2015 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The theme for the final event of the F1 calendar this year, which will take place from 27th-29th November, is ‘Go Beyond’ promising an even more fulfilling experience for visitors in all aspects of the F1 race weekend.

Yesterday morning’s launch by the three-man panel of Al Tareq Al Ameri (CEO Yas Marina Circuit), Faisal Al Sheikh (Events Bureau Director at Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority) and from title sponsor Etihad Airways, Shane O’Hare (Senior Vice President of Marketing) coincided with the tickets going on sale to the public, with prices remaining unchanged from last year to keep the event accessible and affordable. Demand for tickets this year is expected to be sky-high after the 2014 sell-out event exceeded all expectations, when Lewis Hamilton won the thrilling climatic final race of the season here in Abu Dhabi as well as his second drivers world championship title, much to the delight of the international crowd.

The seventh Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the world’s only twilight race, will once again play host to over 60,000 fans with promises of more entertainment options, an improved visitor experience, superior hospitality and even new ticket packages, including a one-day roaming Friday ticket. Organisers are hoping to capitalise on social media after the 2014 event trended number one on Twitter on race day, with tweets using the hashtag‪ #‎AbuDhabiGP‬ posted by a staggering 1.9 billion users over the three days.

Alongside the racing action there will be another packed schedule of off track activities including A-list artists for the after-race concerts (sorry no hints were given as to who) and for those lucky enough to be in the corporate boxes a celebrity chef will be showcasing his talents as well as a host of meet-and-greets in the new Marsa Boxes and suites, including the chance to meet F1 legend Mark Webber. The now traditional Etihad Airways flyover will kick-start Sunday’s race and organisers will be hoping for another down to the wire title race adding to the overall excitement, but even if that’s not the case the weekend will be a spectacle not to be missed. A new improved YasHUB smartphone app has been launched to assist visitors to plan their race weekend and not miss any of the exciting action on and off the track.

With the race weekend scheduled for late November it will play its part in kick-starting this years UAE National Day celebrations, with a heritage related backdrop dominating the event giving the many visitors a taste of the Emirates history as well as authentic Emirati traditions and local culture, a real treat for those new to the region.

Tickets booked before the 31st May will avail of a 20% ‘early bird’ discount with an extra special 30% ‘early bird’ for the Marina Grandstand seats. For all ticketing information and online booking visit www.yasmarinacircuit.com. Tickets can also be booked through the Yas Marina Call Centre (800 927) or +971 2659 9800 or in person at Yas Marina Circuit, selected Etihad shops, Virgin Megastores and the Yas Viceroy Hotel. Etihad Airways will also be offering flight/hotel/race packages that includes many of Yas Island attractions all thrown in. Tickets and packages are available in General Admission, Grandstands and Hospitality

For more information how you can ‘Go Beyond’ at this year’s Grand Prix visit