Watch: Rory McIlroy enjoys thrill of speed at Yas Marina Circuit

Northern Irishman joins professional driver Pardini for a once-in-a-lifetime experience

Last updated: November 09, 2025 | 15:45

Jai Rai, Assistant Editor

1 MIN READ

Watch: Rory McIlroy enjoys thrill of speed at Yas Marina Circuit

Dubai: Golfing star Rory McIlroy, who's in the UAE capital for the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, took some time off to enjoy the thrill of speed with a series of high-speed hot laps at the Yas Marina Circuit.

The Northern Irishman joined professional driver Francesca Pardini for a once-in-a-lifetime experience at one of the world's most iconic racing venues, reaching speeds of up to 180 mph as he explored another side of Yas Island's world-class sporting infrastructure.

The video offers behind-the-scenes perspective on McIlroy's day at the circuit - from suiting up and walking the track to the moment he experienced the intense forces of high-speed racing firsthand. Dynamic in-car footage, trackside coverage, and FPV drone visuals capture the thrill and speed of both the vehicles and the Yas Marina Circuit.

Jai RaiAssistant Editor

Jai is a seasoned journalist with more than two decades of experience across India and the UAE, specialising in sports reporting. Throughout his distinguished career, he has had the privilege of covering some of the biggest names and events in sports, including cricket, tennis, Formula 1 and golf. A former first-division cricket league captain himself, he brings not only a deep understanding of the game but also a cricketer's discipline to his work. His unique blend of athletic insight and journalistic expertise gives him a wide-ranging perspective that enriches his storytelling, making his coverage both detailed and engaging. Driven by an unrelenting passion for sports, he continues to craft compelling narratives that resonate with readers. As the day winds down for most, he begins his work, ensuring that the most captivating stories make it to the print edition in time for readers to receive them bright and early the next morning.