ABU DHABI Have you ever wondered what it takes to get a Formula One race going? The amount of work done behind the scenes is surely going to blow you away.
As the Yas Marina Circuit prepares to host the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the final race of the 2014 season, work in the background round the clock has already begun to put together the race this weekend.
Since the Brazilian Grand Prix finished, six charter flights, each carrying 90 tonnes of gear, have airlifted all the Formula One team equipment to the Capital.
Around 140 sea freight containers will also arrive at Khalifa Port by the weekend, bringing the remaining team kit for the Formula 1, GP2 and GP3 races.
More than 400 logistics contractors, using 60 forklift trucks, have coordinated this huge operation – for combined air and sea freight totalling 750 tonnes.
As the race is expected to see the largest crowd attending in the circuit’s history, it will employ 1,924 catering staff, serving around 29,670 meals in the corporate hospitality suites and grandstand (not including the paddock), in addition to 12,250 staff meals for the circuit employees on the weekend.
A team of 59 gardeners has been working constantly to lay 75 acres of grass, and plant a total of 715 palm trees and 150,000 flowers in preparation for the event.
A staggering 8,550 litres of specially commissioned paint will be applied in the circuit, including pantone 321, a blue colour which is actually unique to Yas Marina Circuit.
Hamilton confident
Meanwhile, Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton is all geared up to claim the top spot.
The 29-year-old faces team-mate Nico Rosberg in a two-way battle on Sunday that will decide the champion. With 10 wins this season and a 17-point lead from his teammate Nico Rosberg, he still is not assured of the title because of the new double points rule in Abu Dhabi.
Hamilton said: “People talk about how long it’s been since I won the title, but I honestly feel like I’m fighting for my first world championship all over again. I’ve learnt a lot in the years since 2008, but I’m still the same driver. I still have the same hunger, the same will to win.
“I’ve had ups and downs along the way, but I’ve never once given up. I’ve managed to fight my way back from whatever has come my way and my approach doesn’t change for this race. I’ve got a good record at the Abu Dhabi circuit. Last year was actually the only time I’ve not started on the front row or finished on the podium. But I’ve also had some misfortune over the years - particularly in 2012. I’m hoping that bad luck won’t play a part this time around and I know that the team has been working flat out to make sure it doesn’t. I’m feeling relaxed, I’m feeling confident and I’m ready to win.”
