Tickets for the 2010 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix have sold out three days before the race weekend begins, according to organisers.
With all seats sold, the final race of the F1 season will take place in front of a capacity crowd qt Yas Marina circuit.
“We are delighted to have sold out all our tickets for the second year running,” said Richard Cregan, Chief Executive Officer of Yas Marina Circuit.
“Our inaugural event last year also sold out, and we worked hard to create an attractive package which we believe will result in a fantastic experience for our fans.”
The championship will be decided in Abu Dhabi with two-time world champion from Spain Fernando Alonso of Ferrari leading the way with 246 points ahead of Red Bull drivers Australian Mark Webber (238) and German Sebastian Vettel (231) who won last weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix. Former world champion Lewis Hamilton of Britain has an outside chance lying in fourth position with 222 points.
“It’s unprecedented to have four drivers in contention for the driver’s title in the final race. I think it is a very fitting end to what has been an amazing F1 season. We are very proud here in Abu Dhabi to be staging the race and to know that we will see the crowning of the 2010 World Champion,” said Cregan.
“One factor helping ticket sales this year was charging one flat price for all grandstand seats, regardless of where they are,” he added. “Another was expanding our oasis areas so we could provide a wider variety of entertainment and leisure activities, including our new Kartzone which will open for the race weekend.”
Tickets for the 2010 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix went on sale on May 16 and 50 percent were sold within one month. The prestigious Paddock Club tickets, offering a full VIP race experience, sold out almost immediately and attracted a long waiting list.
Grand Prix title sponsor Etihad Airways reports that all its flights into Abu Dhabi are also very heavily booked, with aircraft from some cities already full.
“We are gearing up for one of the busiest periods of the year at our hub in Abu Dhabi,” said James Hogan, Chief Executive Officer.
“We’re looking forward to serving the many thousands of International visitors who start arriving this week for the second Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.”
Hotels too report strong bookings, with all seven hotels on Yas Island already full and others like the newly opened five-star Grand Millennium Al Wahda in Abu Dhabi also booked to capacity.
Among the visitors to the iconic trackside Yas Hotel will be six lucky Golden Ticket winners and their partners, who won “the prize that money can’t buy” when tickets first went on sale. In addition to three nights at the Yas Hotel, they will be enjoying the race from the Paddock Club, having breakfast with an F1 driver, watching race practice from the team garages and receiving other privileges.
Up to 40 tonnes of freight have already arrived by sea in preparation for the race, and five Boeing 747 cargo aircraft will touch down in Abu Dhabi during the course of Tuesday, carrying the 24 racing cars direct from Brazil. Team members have already arrived and a large contingent of international media is also inbound.
“The scene is set for a thrilling race weekend for all the family,” said Cregan. “In addition to the track action, visitors can look forward to the after-show concerts and an even broader range of entertainment than last year. There will be live music, DJs, BMX bikers, acrobatic basketball, breakdancing, skateboarding, a solar artist and much more. We are in for a fabulous festival of motorsport.”
People without tickets will be able take advantage of the many public events and the free live broadcast of the race weekend on the Abu Dhabi Corniche.
Spectators will also have the opportunity to see very close racing in the supporting GP2 and Porsche events and sample a wide range of off-track activities from breakdancing and skateboarding workshops to bungee trampolines.
Other family activities at the circuit will include karting for those aged 18 and under, the F1 Village, BMX bikers, food and beverage stands, an autograph zone, live music, a climbing wall, an arcade gaming zone, nail art stations, kids zone and entertainment from the Swat Crew, Killa Kela and Acrodunk basketball players.
Ticket-holders will have the opportunity to attend the live concerts by Kanye West on Friday, Linkin Park on Saturday and Prince on Sunday. Concert access will open every evening at 6.30pm until midnight.
“There is a huge variety of activities and entertainment available this year to suit all age groups and interests, in addition to one of the most compelling races of 2010,” said Cregan.
Families and racing fans will also be able to experience the highly anticipated, multi-dimensional and newly opened Ferrari theme park, situated right next door to the circuit.
Away from the track and in the heart of Abu Dhabi is the F1 Fan Zone on the Corniche which will provide everyone, whether they have a ticket for the race or not, with the opportunity to experience the F1 buzz and excitement, buy racing experiences, and enter Yas Marina Circuit prize draws.
Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
