Yas Marina Circuit in home stretch

Abu Dhabi: Finally it was an experience which each member of the small group of 15 local journalists will cherish for a lifetime.

A lap of the Yas Marina Circuit, the venue of inaugural Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, in a mini bus finally lay to rest any lingering doubts of the emirate's ability to stage one of the world's top sporting events.

Travelling at a speed of less than 30km per hour on one of the longest straights in a F1 circuit, the thought of just imagining a speed of 317 km per hour on the very same track on November 1 was enough to bring goose bumps on a warm afternoon.

There were many reports emanating from various quarters which did doubt whether Abu Dhabi would be in a position to stage the 2009 year-ending finale to the Formula One series.

However, a week after Aldar Properties PJSC handed over the completed circuit to venue operator Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management (ADMM), and after yesterday's 'Educational Tour' of the track, one can safely confirm that Abu Dhabi's endeavour is on the home-stretch.

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While the entire track is complete, the seven hotels including the one on the track - the Yas Hotel - are going through their fit-outs.

The team of journalists also got to drive on the track under the hotel - the world's first such track which runs through the Yas Hotel structure which by itself is another building of marvel.

The journalists' vehicle had to maintain a slow speed, what with a 14,000-strong work force making the final touches to what is expected to raise the bar as far as F1 circuit and safety matters are concerned.

Nicole Hayde, ADMM's head of communications said: "A unique feature of this circuit is that from almost every stand you can catch of view of about 30 to 40 per cent of the track. Ticket sales have gathering a brisk pace."

ADMM's Kawthar Bin Sulayem, the local media manager and one of the many Emirati faces involved in the project said: "Almost every day we can see massive changes. The pace of progress is frenetic and we should be ready to put up a great show."

Following the November 1 Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit will operate year-round with a variety of international racing and other special events, drag racing, karting, the driving school, corporate opportunities, and concerts.