Abu Dhabi: Ex-Formula One driver Mark Webber has supported the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend — but through his culinary skills rather than his racing prowess.
Webber, 39, has joined world-famous chef Jean-Christophe Novelli in staging live cooking demonstrations for the Yas Marina Circuit event’s corporate guests.
“Yas Marina Circuit is one of the standout F1 races on the calendar,” the Australian, who won nine Grand Prixes from 215 starts between 2002 and 2013, said. “Not just the on-track action, but everything you get to do off the track, too. Being with chef Novelli today has been brilliant; I’m not sure my cooking skills match up to his, but I helped where I could. And it was great to learn from the best.”
Novelli, an AA Rosette and multi-Michelin Star award-winning chef, added: “This is such an incredible weekend to a part of. To be cooking for guests at Yas Marina Circuit and doing what I love at the heart of the world’s biggest sporting occasion this weekend is a thrill.
“To have a legend such as Mark Webber alongside me has been wonderful too. He has been a big help in the kitchen with me today.”
In addition to his cooking commitments, Webber, who is a Yas Marina Circuit ambassador, met guests in the Marsa suites.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend is bringing race fans more than just the adrenalin-pumping battles on track, organisers stressed on Saturday.
Four themed Oasis areas for the public at the 5.5-kilometre circuit are serving up a variety of entertainment from autograph sessions and racing simulators, to a “Pampering Pit Stop” offering manicures and massage.
In the Main Oasis, fans are getting up close and personal to their favourite drivers at daily autograph sessions. There’s also a games zone featuring F1 simulators and a chance to see what goes into becoming world champion with the F1 Tomorrow’s Champion session.
Fans can also ride the exhilarating zip line, or relax with family and friends in the Majlis chill-out areas while enjoying a range of live music and entertainment.
The West Oasis is all about going social. Racegoers can interact digitally by linking up with friends and F1 fans across the globe thanks to the area’s free WiFi and by using the #AbuDhabiGP hashtag while posting content. There’s also the chance for visitors to express themselves artistically on a digital graffiti wall, while a series of interactive screens will feature all the latest information on F1 teams.
To experience the glory of a top-three finish, fans can have their photo taken on the podium, where winners will hold their trophies. To get the best look, there is complementary hair and make-up styling, and manicure or massage at the Pampering Pit Stop.
The South Oasis is the place to be for an all-day Abu Dhabi Grand Prix party, organisers claim. It is where music and games meet, with tunes by international DJs and a host of interactive games on hi-tech gadgets.
