Abu Dhabi: German Nico Rosberg’s winning the season-opening Formula One race in Melbourne has sent the warning bells ringing in Abu Dhabi, where the season ending race will be held from November 25-27. The opening race results indicate that the clash for Championship could once again be between the Rosberg and defending champion Lewis Hamilton. This will be a matter of concern for Yas Marina Circuit CEO Al Tareq Al Ameri, who will be hoping for that the championship battle, unlike last year where it was decided well before the final race, goes down to the wire.
“The championship changing hands from Hamilton to Rosberg here or Mercedes vs Ferrari battle for title going down to the wire, I will take it happily any day,” said Al Ameri with a laugh while speaking after announcing that the ticket sales for the 2016 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was now open.
“I think in Mercedes they have the team, the performance of the engine, so it’s good on them. But I believe Ferrari is pushing the limit and I think there will be a contender competing with the Mercedes team. Hopefully, we will see the rivalry happening over the season. We will have to watch closely and see what happens,” added Al Ameri.
In 2015, Hamilton won the Austin race and took an unassailable points total of 327 and clinched the title with three rounds of the season remaining. With the title sealed the capital race became inconsequential and that took a bit of sheen away from the season ending race.
Abu Dhabi still made sure that race was a spectacle. Rosberg proved a point with his win over Hamilton here and then the series of activities surrounding the race gave the fans their money’s worth. Al Ameri revealed that he and his team made the assessment after last year’s race and everyone was happy with the outcome.
“I have spoken to the stakeholders and partners in the last couple of days. They were happy with what they saw last year and everyone is excited and fully supportive about the 2016 F1 season,” said Al Ameri adding, “We did have a moment last year when the title was decided well before. These things have happened before but I would say the people did come to enjoy the celebration and to experience Abu Dhabi and the Emirate. This season has just started and regardless of what happens people will turn up here in large numbers.”
Abu Dhabi was still happy to host the last race and was not looking at any change, revealed Al Ameri. “Last year we had to look at this race and change our approach as the title was decided early. What we did was we timed it with our 44 UAE National Day and people just went behind it and celebrated. Race drivers all back us especially Lewis Hamilton going in with the No 44. Hopefully we can do a repeat this year but we still haven’t chalked out anything but we will have it soon. Will have something new for sure to make the atmosphere electrifying,” said Al Ameri.
