Abu Dhabi extends contract to host FORMULA 1 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX
Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management confirms multi-year contract extension
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management (ADMM) today announced a multi-year extension of the current promoter’s agreement with Formula One World Championship Limited (FOWC), confirming that the FORMULA 1 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX, which takes place at the now iconic Yas Marina Circuit, will remain a feature of the FIA Formula One World Championship™ calendar.
The current agreement was due to expire after the 2016 race and the announcement reflects the ambition of both parties to lock in the Grand Prix for future years at an early opportunity.
A sell-out event every year since the inaugural race in 2009, the weekend welcomes more than 125,000 local and international spectators to Abu Dhabi to experience one of the most significant events on the global sporting calendar. Nearly 50% of all spectators are overseas visitors to the UAE and those attending the race represent more than 120 nationalities.
“This race and the Yas Marina Circuit has introduced Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates to tens of millions of visitors and TV viewers from around the world. We remain committed to continually delivering a better experience for the Formula 1® family and ticket holders,” said HE Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management. “It is a mark of the quality of our partnership with Formula One World Championship that we both want to focus on looking forward and on delivering many more successful races.”
Due to growing demand, this year Yas Marina Circuit expanded its capacity to 60,000, a 20 percent increase since 2009. With a variety of tickets and packages on offer, spectators can choose from a range of options including, at 7500 places, the largest Formula One Paddock Club™, hospitality at the marina and the relaxed atmosphere of Abu Dhabi Hill, first launched last year.
“Abu Dhabi has played an important part in pioneering the modern era of Formula 1® racing,” said Bernie Ecclestone, Chief Executive Officer of Formula One group of companies. “I said when the Yas Marina Circuit was opened that it may one day be matched, but it will never be bettered. The island has continued to transform each year. We have a wonderful partner here.”
Yas Island, the home of Yas Marina Circuit, now includes four and five star hotels, a links golf course, a marina, theme parks, and the newly-opened Yas Mall.
The entire city comes alive during race weekend, with the largest entertainment program by any F1® host city, including motorsport events, movies and community activities. Ticketholders also enjoy free access to concerts by renowned regional and international artists who come to Abu Dhabi to be at the FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX.
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About Formula 1®
Formula 1®, which began in 1950, is the world’s most prestigious motor racing competition and is the world’s most popular annual sporting series. In 2013 it was watched by over 450 million unique television viewers from 185 territories. The 2014 FIA Formula One World Championship™ runs from March to November and spans 19 races in 19 countries across five continents. Formula One World Championship Limited is part of the Formula One group, founded by CEO Bernie Ecclestone, and holds the exclusive commercial rights to the FIA Formula One World Championship™. For more information on Formula 1® visit www.formula1.com.
F1, FORMULA 1, FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX and related marks are trade marks of Formula One Licensing BV, a Formula One group company. All rights reserved.
About Yas Marina Circuit:
Yas Marina Circuit is the United Arab Emirates’ most exciting sporting and entertainment multi-purpose venue. Located on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the circuit is home to the annual FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX and much more. In addition to the extensive year-round program of professional and grassroots motorsport events and experiences including Drag and Yas Track Nights, the circuit has emerged as a thriving hub for entertainment and community events in the UAE. As the region’s most technologically advanced facility, the circuit is also a leading MICE venue, regularly hosting a diverse range of corporate meetings, conferences and events. Whether you want to experience the thrill of karting at our Kartzone, driving an Aston Martin GT4 at over 200km/hour on an F1® circuit, work towards your racing license at the Yas Racing School, get fit at TrainYas or GoYas, participate in one of our many sporting events, or simply catch up with friends at Yas Central, Yas Marina Circuit truly is The Meeting Place of Champions.