Plenty to get excited about at Yas Marina

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  • Drivers race during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit last year.

    This weekend sees the Formula One roadshow roll into Abu Dhabi for what is undoubtedly the biggest sporting event of the year for the UAE, apart from perhaps the Dubai World Cup horse race which is also a hugely glamorous and spectacular occasion.

    There really isn’t anything that matches the enigma that is Formula One, even though it has lost some of the magical atmosphere that made it so alluring in the days of great characters like Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell, and Michael Schumacher when you could tell a Ferrari from a McLaren just from the sound of their distinctive engine notes.

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    However, time moves on and F1 has changed with hybrid engines, new rules, and new heroes like Lewis Hamilton who comes to the UAE having already wrapped up his third world title.

    It is a shame that we do not have a situation like last year when Lewis still had to secure his second championship and some will be disappointed that nothing really rides on this race, but that doesn’t make it any less exciting and shouldn’t be a reason to stay away from an event that truly put Abu Dhabi on the international sporting map.

    To attend a Formula One race alone is an experience not to be missed. The incredible speed that these guys reach in their state-of-the-art machines can only be truly appreciated when you are there and despite the fact that the howl of the V8 engines has been consigned to history the atmosphere is still electric.

    Hamilton may well have the title sorted but that does not mean he will take his foot off the pedal and cruise around the Yas Marina Circuit. This guy is a natural born racer and there is nothing he would like better than to sign off his triumphant season with victory at one of his favourite circuits and you can be sure that Nico Rosberg, having been overshadowed by his team-mate again, will do everything in his power to stop that happening, so there is still plenty at stake for the fans to enjoy.

    Ferrari have a huge following here in the UAE and although they might be a little disappointed that they did not present more of a challenge to Mercedes they have made spectacular progress and will want to prove that they will be even stronger next season so expect a show from Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen who will be determined to take the fight to Mercedes one last time this season and throw down the gauntlet for 2016.

    Valtteri Bottas.

    Look further down the grid and there is more fascination. Williams star Valtteri Bottas has already proved that he has what it takes to be a future world champions so keep an eye on him and rookie Max Verstappen, the youngest driver to start a Formula One race is also one to watch.

    His performances in his debut season have been sensational and he will want to finish on a high.

    So while this is not about who is going to win the title there’s still plenty to get excited about in the capital which does such a great job of putting on what amounts to an unrivalled festival of sport, culture and fun. The circuit itself is a must-see and everything that has been built up around it with top international music stars, celebrities, and activities for all the family makes this a weekend to remember.  Don’t miss it.

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