Best Grandstand at Abu Dhabi Yas Marine circuit?

Best Grandstand at Abu Dhabi Yas Marine circuit?

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Discussion

jkh112

Original Poster:

22,012 posts

158 months

Saturday 22nd April 2017
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I am lucky to be able to attend the AbuDhabi race later in the year. I am not sure which grandstand to book tickets in.
Anyone with any experience or useful advice?

MisterDJ

48 posts

165 months

Saturday 22nd April 2017
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not that I can compare with others, but when I was there I chose the south grandstand and it was great. Given that it is close to the braking zone after the 2nd DRS zone there is a lot of overtaking there. There is also a screen in front in case you want to follow the race as well.

shirt

22,565 posts

201 months

Saturday 22nd April 2017
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I haven't sat in any but have marshalled the turn 5-7 complex a few times and my choice would be the north grandstand.

Cars are coming over the crest of the hill at full chat into a deep braking zone for the chicane. Plenty of incidents there over the years! Then you get a slow pass around the hairpin and a view down the main straight. There are 2 big screens directly opposite and it's a 5min walk to the concert arena for post race entertainment. Also there's a food/merch/bar area directly behind the grandstand.

If you ask on the Middle East forum you'll get replies from those who have tried different stands. Although the marina area ones give you better scenery I don't think they're as good for track views. Also, because the UAE can't organise any event to save its life, don't underestimate the total PITA it is to get around yas on race day.

K50 DEL

9,237 posts

228 months

Monday 24th April 2017
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Been to every race there since 2010 and been in almost all the grandstands at various times... when I've paid for tickets myself though I've always chosen the South Grandstand, with club access.
Al Diyafa is nice too, but that's a step up in cost.

If you're driving yourself then make sure you buy a VIP parking pass, I actually parked at the base of the steps to the South stand, makes leaving the circuit post-race a much nicer experience.

Supersam83

614 posts

145 months

Monday 24th April 2017
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I went last year and was in West Grandstand. Gate W04

Just at the end of the long straight, you can see the cars at their fastest speed braking hard into the chicane and driving away and see plenty of action.

Also 2 large screens right in front of you to follow all the action.

You can also see the final 2 turns and part of the pit entry as well.

West Oasis fan zone very good as well with easy links to the main F1 fan village a short walk away through a tunnel. Lots of food stalls, bar, mechandise stalls, sitting areas, loads of activities and live music/acts as well.

Easy access into the circuit as based on the main road towards Ferrari World (you get free entry with F1 passes), DU Arena (where the after race concerts are held) and near Yas Plaza where a few hotels are near the track.

PDP76

2,571 posts

150 months

Monday 24th April 2017
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I was in the marina stand last year directly opposite the yas viceroy.
Pretty good viewing area I thought.
Quite a walk from there to the north areas and Ferrari world/yas mall.
There is a bus service but it's packed out, especially at the end of the race. We walked out of the circuit and through yas mall to get a taxi back to the hotel. Still pretty busy, but a lot better than trying to cram onto the circuit shuttle buses.

jkh112

Original Poster:

22,012 posts

158 months

Wednesday 3rd May 2017
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Sounds like none of the grandstands are bad. After discussing with the others in my party we have booked the North stand.
Thanks for the advice.