The excitement is palpable, as the 2012 Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix roars into the capital. The most glamorous sporting event promises a weekend packed with championship racing, A-list entertainment and the best in hospitality and dining.
This year Yasalam — the citywide entertainment programme that blends motor sport with music, film and community events — and the Yas Marina Circuit offer Y1 Access, which gives F1 ticket holders value-added benefits over the race weekend as well as discounts on tickets to some of the biggest concerts and sport events in Abu Dhabi. Each day during the championship, 2,000 lucky racegoers will receive an upgrade to the Golden Circle at the Yasalam after-race concerts. The first 15,000 local race ticket buyers will receive a pair of complimentary invitations to tomorrow’s concert, absolutely free.
Song and dance
The Australian V8 Supercar championship kicks off the action on the racetrack, followed by the best in the world of Formula One racing taking on one of the most technologically-advanced circuits for a place on the coveted podium.
But if you are not a petrolhead and are just there to create a once-in-a-lifetime memory, you won’t be disappointed as this year all F1 ticket holders have access to the three after-race concerts, with an incredible line-up including Grammy award-winning Australian pop star Kylie Minogue, Canadian rockers Nickelback and popular rapper Eminem.
Now in their fourth year, the Yasalam after-race concerts will be staged at the du Arena, Yas Island, exclusively for F1 ticket holders. "We’ve had some fantastic performances at Yasalam over the years and are delighted to welcome Kylie Minogue and Nickelback to Abu Dhabi," says John Lickrish, CEO, Flash Entertainment, organisers of Yasalam. "They are both huge acts and continue to build on the festival’s commitment to providing world-class live events in and around the race weekend."
But keep in mind, unlike the previous years, racegoers will now need to visit the Yas Marina Circuit each day to collect their concert wristband to get access to the concerts. Each day of the race, 2,000 Golden Circle upgrades for that night’s concert will be given away free at Yas Marina Circuit. In addition, the new 2 Friends Friday promotion means the first 15,000 domestic F1 ticket buyers receive a pair of complimentary invitations to see Kylie Minogue on Friday.
For the party animal
If you can’t abide Kylie, Nickelback or Eminem, but want to keep the party going, head to the Sky Bar, running until Sunday at the du Forum on Yas Island. Launched two years ago, Sky Bar is the only official party for the Yasalam after-race concerts. Expect performances from Cee Lo Green (pictured) and Eve today, Travie McCoy and Outasight tomorrow, and Lupe Fiasco and Eva Simons wrapping up Sunday night.
But if you thought that all the action was squeezed into three days, think again. The world’s only official F1 FanZone is back as part of Yasalam Live on the Abu Dhabi Corniche. This two-week free community event focuses on motor sport-flavoured entertainment for the whole family with interactive simulators, remote control car racing, driver signings, official F1 team merchandise and live outdoor screenings of the big F1 race.
Check in
In all the mirth, merriment and partying until dawn, you will most likely need a place to stay and recharge your batteries for another night of excess. The best address in the city is the Yas Viceroy that is offering a F1 Grand Prix Package 2012. Enjoy the best racetrack views and indulge in some innovative culinary experiences at one of 12 contemporary restaurants and lounges. During the race weekend, two visiting executive chefs, Tony DiSalvo from Viceroy Santa Monica and Kai Eick from Viceroy Maldives, will showcase their culinary talent. Perhaps the highlight is the Mumm brunch being hosted at Nautilus restaurant with breathtaking views of the Marina.
This year the Viceroy is pulling out all the stops to make the weekend memorable. "Our hotel is excited to welcome guests and the community to live the experience Yas Viceroy style," says Heiner Wederling, General Manager, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi. "There is a lot to look forward to from exceptional dining venues to amazing entertainment offerings and many nightlife events. Built on the Yas Marina Circuit racetrack and surrounded by Yas Marina, we are the place to be during F1 races."
The American band Go Go Gadjet flags off the party at the hotel’s relaxed rooftop lounge, Skylite. Joining the party will be former F1 racing driver Eddie Jordan (pictured right) who will rock the hotel with his band, Eddie & the Robbers, on Saturday and Sunday from 11pm onwards.
The high-powered engineering feats of the race cars are in contrast to the grace and serenity of the marina with sleek yachts anchored. While there for the races, take a stroll along the Yas Marina promenade, soak up the atmosphere and admire some of the world’s most beautiful yachts while the lights of the iconic Yas Viceroy hotel come to life. Visit the Yas Marina Lounge by G.H. Mumm, an open-air zone on the promenade with great views and a live jazz band. The lounge is open from 1pm-11pm until Sunday. Yas Marina also hosts a spectacular laser presentation from 8.30pm to midnight during the period.
