An overview of Yas Marina Circuit
Often described as a ground-breaking combination of style and function, Yas Marina Circuit has been inspired by the culture and values of Abu Dhabi. The stunning facility includes a 5.55km Formula 1TM track, where races are driven anti-clockwise and drivers are challenged with 21 different turns (12 left turns and nine right turns). The current lap time record is 1 minute and 40 seconds, although this could be beaten at the 2012 FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX!
The race track is surrounded by five grandstands – the Main Grandstand, North Grandstand, West Grandstand, South Grandstand and Marina Grandstand – which can accommodate a combined total of more than 50,000 spectators. In addition, Yas Marina Circuit is the only motorsports venue in the world where every grandstand is covered.
Visitors can enter Yas Marina Circuit through the main entrance (behind the West Grandstand) or the north entrance (close to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi), with gates open from 9am during this year’s Grand Prix. Visitors tend to remark on the series of architectural marvels, including the Yas Viceroy hotel, a stunning five-star facility that straddles the track, with outstanding views of the racing action, and the Yas Yacht Club, which is at the entrance to the Yas Marina and provides an exclusive retreat for yacht owners and guests.
Other facilities within Yas Marina Circuit include the F1TM Village and Oasis areas, pit buildings, team villas, medical centre, helicopter pads, state of the art media centre, broadcasters’ commentary booths, race control area, and of course The Paddock ClubTM - Formula 1TM's exclusive corporate hospitality and networking venue, frequented by drivers, team principles, sponsors, celebrities, VIPs and the captains of global industry.
Book your ticket or package for the 2012 FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX now to experience the splendour of Yas Marina Circuit firsthand! You can also visit our Quick Links page for maps to Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island and Abu Dhabi.
What to expect during the race weekend
F1TM ticketholders are promised an unforgettable weekend of top-class motorsport and entertainment at the 2012 FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX. To kick-start proceedings, the crowds will be enthralled by the visiting Australian V8 Supercar Championship, offering a gritty and exciting curtain-opener to the main event.
The action continues over the weekend with the first two practices on Friday 2nd November, followed by the third practice and qualifying round on Saturday 3rd November, and the final race on Sunday 4th November. Nail-biting moments are guaranteed, as Formula 1TM has entered one of the most competitive and dynamic seasons in its 52-year history, with no less than six world champions expected on the grid.
Unmissable entertainment off the track
Family fun at the Oasis Entertainment Areas: The Oasis areas next to each grandstand will be packed with daily entertainment for the whole family during the Grand Prix, together with official merchandise outlets, and food and beverage units to keep you refreshed.
Exclusive Pit Lane walks for ticketholders: Here’s an unmissable opportunity for F1TM fans! Ticketholders can watch the teams up-close on Thursday afternoon’s Public Pit Lane walk. In addition, Paddock ClubTM ticketholders will be offered their own privileged pit lane timings, while Marina Box ticketholders will receive an exclusive V8 Supercar Pit Lane Walk on Thursday afternoon.
Meet the stars with driver autograph sessions: A number of driver autograph sessions will take place at various points during the 2012 FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX, details for which will be announced nearer the time. You can follow Yas Marina Circuit on Facebook and Twitter (@ymcofficial / #ADGP2012) for live updates on the autograph sessions and other happenings throughout race weekend.
Other entertainment privileges for ticketholders
All ticketholders have complimentary access to three spectacular Yasalam After Race concerts at the du Arena during the race weekend, with past performers including Aerosmith, Britney Spears, Prince, Kanye West, Beyoncé and Paul McCartney. In addition, a series of exclusive post-race events will take place in the early hours at SkyBar and Amber Lounge for those seeking to extend the glitz and glamour of race weekend. Check our Formula 1 Entertainment page for more information.