Anyone been to the Abu Dhabi GP?

[Ribbs27]

Hi,

I'm in Dubai during the wekend of the AD GP and wondered if it was worth heading down to Yas Marina to enjoy the atmosphere and watch it in a hotel.

Has anyone been? Is it worth heading down there just to be part of the event or can't you get near the place? I'm struggling to get a ticket but thought as i'm so close it would be nice to go.

Any advice appreciated.

[Use Psychology]

It's the one with the fantastic architecture and a flashing hotel.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

I went last year. Stunning. The locals don't appear to go until the race. We went for practice too on the Friday & thought we'd got the wrong day it was so quiet!

Best facility I've been to for a race.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

[shirt]

unless you plan on going to the circuit [think tickets are still available, i could look if you like] then best just stay in dubai. anyone interested in f1 will be at the race proper, the rest of us will be at work [sunday is the start of the working week].

prob best therefore to choose a touristy hotel. movenpick on jbr may be a good bet and they do show the f1.

[Old Merc]

I stayed at the Raddison in March and this was the view from my room which cost about £100 a night.
I checked up and the same room for GP w/end is £650 a night!!!and I bet the food and drink prices will rise the same?

[IanUAE]

1st year I was in the grandstand at the end of the back straight, 2nd year at the start of the back straight. End of the back straight was far better.

Worth staying for the concerts as there is less traffic afterwards.

[London424]

I went the first year and had a great time. Lots of stands are very close to the track so you feel the noise in your chest.

If you're there it's worth doing, as said, probably cheaper to stay in the marina in Dubai and drive to AD. It's less than an hour and no traffic.

[Ribbs27]

Thanks for the advice.

I have booked a hotel in dubai and got tickets for the south stand on the back straight. Looking forward to the race.....and getting some sun on my skin!!!

[schmalex]

I was there at the first one. If I'm right in thinking, the South grandstand is the one that approaches the chicane by the water. It's a good place to be, as you are in shade all afternoon and very, very close to the cars as they come into the braking zone.

IMO, as a live spectator event, the Anu Dhabi GP is much, much better than some of the traditional circuits such as Silverstone, as you are literally within 10m of the cars instead of peering at them over several hundred yards of gravel trap.

Plus, you can wear shorts, rather than worry about keeping hypothermia at bay!!

[Old Merc]

Last time I checked a w/end seat here is about £350-£400 ?

[haggy]

I'll be there in south stand

[skinny]

there's loads of hotels on yas island. not the most soulful of places, but a short walk to the track. don't bother trying to stay in the phallic hotel in the middle of the track tho, you won't get in (unless you're exceedingly rich).