Years Attended:
2013
Tickets:
South Upper Grandstand
Price:
£333 (Early bird price)
Accommodation:
Abu Dhabi City Centre
Days attended:
Thursday-Sunday
5 words to describe the circuit:
Breathtaking
Organised
Clean
Welcoming
Beautiful
Top 10 tips:
1. NEVER, EVER, under any circumstances, underestimate the sun! Yes, the race takes place in November, but temperatures in the UAE can easily reach the high 30’s. Go prepared! Take a hat/cap with you, cover your shoulders, stay hydrated and always use sun cream. I cannot stress this enough. Please look after yourself.
2. Remember where you are and respect the laws of the land. Don’t show too much public affection, don’t swear, or dress inappropriately. Alcohol is only available in certain restaurants and hotels and you won’t be able to buy any from the local supermarket unless you have a license. However, at the Yas Marina circuit, alcohol is available, but you’ll be required to drink it there and then.
3. I always recommend wearing sensible footwear when attending a GP. You’ll be doing more walking than you expect, I guarantee it!
4. Get ready to queue up for a LONG time if you want to meet F1 drivers. The Yas Marina circuit holds team autograph sessions on the Thursday before the GP. These usually take place at the F1 village, near the main circuit entrance. (You can’t miss it!) In 2013, we waited for just over 2 hours to meet Lewis and Nico. Obviously it was worth the wait, but in 35 degree heat, it did get a little uncomfortable! Thankfully, members of staff were at hand to help. We were all given bottles of water so we didn’t pass out! You'll be allowed to get one item signed by each of the boys, and you can also ask for a signed driver card. The GP3, Porsche and GP2 drivers also have autograph sessions over the course of the weekend.
5. Don’t take your support banners along. Unfortunately, fans aren't allowed to hang their banners & flags up. I took one along to show my support to the Mercedes boys, but was quickly asked by security to take it down. I'm not sure why it was a problem...
6. Take a decent camera – you’ll thank me! The views at the Yas Marina circuit are unlike any I've seen before. It’s an incredibly beautiful place during the day and more so under floodlights. You’re in for a treat. Without a doubt, the most remarkable and breath-taking circuit I've ever visited.
7. Put some time aside for Ferrari World. It's an awesome place to visit! In 2013, we opted to visit Ferrari World on the Thursday evening. It’ll take you around 15-20 minutes to get there from the circuit on foot.
8. Make use of the free Yas Marina shuttle buses! They run frequently between the North, South & Main grandstands throughout the whole weekend. Trust me, walking around everywhere in 35 degree heat is absolutely exhausting, so make your weekend a little easier and get from A to B on one of the circuit’s lovely air-conditioned buses!
9. Attend the pit walk on the Thursday morning. To most F1 fans, the idea of going on a pit walk is incredibly exciting. However, those that have been on one before will know they can be a little chaotic and manic. At Abu Dhabi, you're lucky! You’ll notice that the locals are very reserved and polite, so I guarantee you’ll find the pit walk very pleasant. No one will push you about or make you feel uncomfortable. Please be aware that SLR cameras are not permitted on the pit walk. However, feel free to take photos using your phone.
10. Finally…Have fun, stay hydrated and enjoy!