Opinion | Editorials
Who wouldn't desire a view to a thrill?
The real winners from this hugely thrilling and entertaining spectacle are the organisers and the people of the UAE.
- Gulf News
- Published: 00:00 November 2, 2009
- Image Credit: Ravindranath/Gulf News
While congratulations are in order to Sebastian Vettel for clinching victory in last evening's inaugural Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the real winners from this hugely thrilling and entertaining spectacle are the organisers and the people of the UAE.
For the first time in the long and illustrious history of Formula One, a race began during daylight hours and ended at night, providing an extreme challenge for the crews and their drivers.
But let us put this entire event into perspective.
Work on the 5.554-kilometre circuit only began in February 2007. In the past 32 months, the vision of the leaders of Abu Dhabi created a beautiful, innovative and luxurious motor sport circuit that actually includes a 500-bedroom hotel straddling the track.
The Yas Marina circuit provides a highly challenging course for drivers, who clocked speeds of 360km/h over its straights and 21 curves.
In building the circuit, 1.6 million cubic metres of earthwork were moved, and a staggering 225,000 cubic metres of concrete were poured.
The result is a facility that has impressed all teams and drivers. But, more importantly, the satisfaction for all is the culmination of a dream.
Who would have imagined that the most prestigious professional motor sport series would feel immediately at home in a circuit that sprang from a germ of a vision? In the past week, star-studded performances, concerts and public events have created a carnival atmosphere in Abu Dhabi. The profile of the capital and the UAE as a whole has been raised significantly by this event — concrete evidence of what can be achieved when we dare to dream.
It is a slight pity that the Formula One series was decided in Brazil prior to yesterday's event. The Yas Marina circuit would have been a fitting stage for the final act. Mabrouk!
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