Concluding a behind-the-scenes feature at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Sport360°'s Reem Abulleil provides an alternative view of all the goings on from the Yas Marina Circuit.
KVYAT BONDS WITH VERGNE
One day you’re the GP3 champion, the next you’re F1’s new kid on the block. Strolling down the paddock on Sunday, a couple of hours before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, was freshly-crowned GP3 champion Daniil Kvyat, the 19-year-old Russian who graduates to F1 next season, driving for Toro Rosso.
“I’m very happy to win the GP3 title,” Kvyat tells me on our way to the Toro Rosso hospitality villa to say hello to his future employers. “It gives me a lot of confidence moving forward.”
After getting stopped numerous times by fans congratulating him, we get to Toro Rosso where we catch Jean-Eric Vergne on his way out.
The Frenchman heartily congratulated his future teammate telling him: “Nothing can stop you now” with a big smile and a pat on the back.
“We’ve known each other for quite some time, since 2009, we met in training camp,” explained Kvyat.
“At the beginning he was quite a difficult person to understand but then once you get to know him he’s a really nice guy also, but not really on the track.”
Vergne had told me a couple of days ago that he doesn’t know much about the Russian teenager: “I know he’s young, he’s Russian and he’s quick. I know what you know.”
He’s going to find out more soon enough, but for now, it was nice to see Vergne give Kvyat a warm welcome to the Toro Rosso family.
GOODBYE TO A TRUE MATE
Elsewhere in the paddock, a special tribute to the departing Mark Webber was set up in the marina right behind the Red Bull villa.
Some Aussie fans decorated their yacht with a banner thanking Webber for the “magical memories” finishing with a trademark “mate”. He will certainly be missed!
RAUL'S A FERNANDO FAN
After the race I bumped into Real Madrid legend Raul Gonzalez, who’s in town with his family, attending the race and visiting his friend and former team-mate Michel Salgado.
They waited for Alonso to take a photo with him before I had a brief chat with Raul.
“Unfortunately Fernando couldn’t win the title this year but he is a fighter. Always fighting every race and hopefully next year he can win the championship,” said Raul, who is playing for Qatari side Al Sadd.
“This is only my second time at a F1 race, after Monaco, and my first time in Abu Dhabi.
“The circuit here is wonderful and the little that I’ve seen this morning, it’s just incredible. Abu Dhabi is very close to Doha. We love living in this region.
“After playing at a very high level for a very long time and travelling a lot, it’s nice to have this quality of life with my family.”
READ MORE:
– Bits from the Pits: Kimi Raikkonen – according to his rivals!
– Bits from the Pits II – Everyone loves Niki Lauda
* For breaking news, follow us on @Sport_360 or find us on Facebook.
