Abu Dhabi race was roaring success
Inaugural event was a success both in front and behind the scenes
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, from a noisy start to the spectacularly lit finish, was a triumphant example of organisation and impeccable and faultless ability and determination on the part of the organisers to ensure the inaugural event was a roaring success both in front and behind the scenes.
I was certainly not alone in my appreciation and admiration for the carrying through of the foresight of [Bernie] Ecclestone and the expertise of the planners and builders of the circuit with so much to do and so little time in which to do it.
A rare smile from the usually stern countenance of the erstwhile Ecclestone spoke volumes for his satisfaction at a job well done. "They said they could and they did deliver," he told me during a brief break he took from escorting a parade of dignitaries and celebrities around the truly impressive set-up.
"If every Grand Prix venue matched Abu Dhabi's we would be a very happy and contented bunch of Formula One people," he added, "and what about that fantastic finale of lights. Just amazing — and sheer showbiz."
Cricket legend Freddie Flintoff and tennis great Boris Becker, both familiar with and the targets of attention at massive sporting occasions, revelled in the atmosphere that rivalled any they had been absorbed in throughout their respective careers.
Becker said: "It has been a breathtaking situation and a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Abu Dhabi can be rightly proud of what has been achieved and shown to an audience of millions all over the world."
From my own standpoint, and that of my guests from one of the emirate's major international companies, Lamprell, the overall verdict was one of total appreciation for an undertaking superbly accomplished and at the heart of it all a showcase event staged to perfection.
Pity about that steward, whose bossy attitude at one of the many otherwise excellently run checkposts into the Yas Marina circuit was a betrayal of all the grace and goodwill that was intended to precede the Grand Prix.
I just wish I'd got his name so I could have passed on a warning to the hirers and firers of the supplementary staff from Europe.
Ted Macauley is a specialist motorsport writer based in England.
