The organisers of the United Arab Emirate’s first Formula One race, the 2009 Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, announced today that tickets for the much anticipated event will go on sale nationally and globally from 10.00AM on Monday 30 March.
The announcement was marked by the unveiling of a national and international marketing campaign that asks the question “where will you be on November 1?” - the race day of the three day F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix event. The Grand Prix will take place at the spectacular new Yas Marina Circuit over three days from 30 October – 1 November 2009. It will be the final race of the 2009 Formula One season and potentially the World Championship decider.
The announcement was made by His Excellency Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management (ADMM) the organisers of the Grand Prix. He was joined for the unveiling of the ticket marketing campaign by His Excellency Ahmed Al Sayegh, Chairman of Aldar Properties, the developers of the Yas Marina Circuit; His Excellency Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Vice President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and President of the Automobile and Touring Club of the United Arab Emirates (ATCUAE) and Peter Baumgartner, Vice President of Marketing of Etihad Airways, the Title Sponsors of the Grand Prix.
Speaking at the event, His Excellency Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak said: “This is a significant milestone on the path to our inaugural Grand Prix. We are in the home straight of what will ultimately be a three year journey. We are therefore very much looking forward to welcoming the Formula One family, international race fans and most importantly the UAE public to the event - and indeed to the very special Yas Marina Circuit.”
He added: “I think that people can be very proud that the UAE will not only welcome Formula One but that we will do so in a way that sets a new global benchmark for motor sport.”
It was announced that there are two types of ticket available for purchase: Grandstand tickets and the corporate hospitality orientated “Paddock Club”. ADMM revealed that it expects a heavy early demand for the limited seats available after receiving thousands of inquiries locally and internationally. People who wish to attend are advised to book early. A 20% discount is available for Grandstand bookings made in the first few weeks that the tickets go on sale.
Grandstand and seating options can be viewed and purchased on-line at www.yasmararinacirucuit.com, or at display exhibitions located at Etihad Holiday outlets, Abu Dhabi’s Marina Mall, and Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates. Tickets can also be purchased through a dedicated call centre by dialling 800 F1 (800 31). (For full details, please see the Notes to Editors section).
Yas Marina Circuit, located on Yas Island, is one of the most sophisticated and technically advanced tracks in the world. It offers a stunning backdrop to the on-track action. The circuit features the only hotel in the world to have a F1 track running through it: re-entry to the track from the pit lane via a tunnel; an innovative run-off area which channels drivers who over-shoot the racing line under the grandstand itself; and an exclusive Marina adjoined to the compound.
Innovative circuit design will also offer most grandstand spectators at least 30% views of the track, a feature unrivalled in Formula One, and all seating will be covered - again a feature unique to the Yas Marina Circuit. Further coverage of the race action will be provided by giant screens around the track, ensuring viewers miss none of the spell-binding twists and turns.
The F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is a three day event, with the Formula One cars and the supporting race categories on track each day. To provide maximum choice to spectators and to help ensure the great atmosphere that only full grandstands can provide, ADMM is offering three-day tickets (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) and two-day tickets (Saturday, Sunday).
These tickets are transferable between different people on different days, meaning that friends and families can share the experience with each other while also sharing the cost.
Lewis Hamilton, McLaren Mercedes Driver and Current FIA Formula 1 World Champion said of the track: “I love going to new circuits – and the new track in Abu Dhabi looks like becoming one of the very best on the Formula 1 calendar. I’ve only looked at images of Yas Marina Circuit so far, but what’s really impressed me is the variety of the track. It has a bit of everything – fast corners and long straights, tight and twisting corners and even a marina. It’s the kind of challenge we drivers love and I can’t wait to get out there and try out the track for real. As the final race of the 2009 season, we couldn’t have asked for a better venue for the conclusion to our year.”
