2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix discussion

This area is for people who are attending or planning to attend the 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

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2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

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  • More information on this track: Yas Marina

85 comments on “2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix discussion”

  1. Hi,

    I’m thinking of going to the Abu Dhabi GP this year (I hoping by the final race of the season they may have sorted out the problems thats caused the procession yesterday).

    I know this is a new GP but wanted to try and get a bit more information in terms of travelling, hotels etc etc.

    I was thinking of flying and staying in Dubai as its only 40-60 mins away, and a bit cheaper for hotels and flights. Did anyone stay in Dubai last year, if so is it really 40-60 mins?

    Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

    Cheers
    Andrew

    1. Hi Andrew,
      I went as a marshal for the GP last year but did not use an hotel. I’ve since been back for the Asia GP2 series and stayed in the Raddison hotel 200 yards from the circuit. I flew into Abu Dhabi airport and it’s a cheap 15 minute taxi ride to the hotel.No car hire to pay, no travelling expenses and no hassle getting into the circuit. Also be aware that the police man every junction and sets of lights on the approach to the circuit and if you do not have the correct passes for the route you are on they will turn you away. There are park and ride stations around the circuit but not sure how they work. Hope you have a great time. The circuit is stunning.
      Regards
      Paul

    2. No. Dubai is more like one and a half hours away. Abu Dhabi is a much better place to stay, anyway.

    3. I went last year and stayed at my brothers’s apartment in Abu Dhabi.

      From Abu Dhabi to Yas Island took us about 20 minutes on race day – the roads are totally empty over there once you get out of the city, and my brother lives relatively near the main road to Yas Island.

      We went sightseeing in Dubai another day and it took us under an hour from Abu Dhabi (again empty roads) so from Dubai to Yas Island is unlikely to be more than 45 mins.

      Bear in my there are vast car parks around the circuit and it will take you 10-20 mins to get from your car to your stand via the shuttle buses.

      No idea about hotel prices… mine just cost me the price of a dinner out :)

      I can’t really remember last year’s prices but I think tickets cost us about £100-120, that was for really good seats in the grandstand at the end of the main straight.

      I’m quite likely to be going again this year :) Maybe we should set up an F1Fanatics meet up ? :)

      Mark

  2. Hi Andrew,

    I am also looking to go – it is 119kms from Dubai to Abu Dhabi so about 90min by car. Just wondering if you or anyone else knows what ticket prices were like last year?

    Any ballpark figures would be great,
    Cheers,
    Meagan

  3. Time to travel is about 40mins if travelling at 160km/h. That is quite normal over there.

    I have booked my flights, now waiting on GP tickets to become available.

    I am lucky enough to know someone in Dubai so no hotels for me. It will be my first F1 event outside of Montreal.

    Last year, tickets were 1600 – 2500 dirhams.

    1. 160km/h is not a normal speeding limits anymore over here…if someone wants to stay in Dubai they should consider the area because if you are deep inside the city then it is the traffic of Dubai that would waste your time and not the actual drive from Dubai to Yas Island…
      I believe you would find great offers from Etihad airways for the whole package (plane ticket+hotel+ race tickets).

  4. 40 mins seems pretty consistance with what I have read/heard. I think Dubai is the best option, there is a lot more choice on hotels.

    Does anyone know when they expect the tickets to go on sale?

    1. I heard they go on sale in May.

  5. Hi Andrew,
    I went to the Grand Prix last year, and flew out to Duabi with my father for my first ever Grand Prix.
    We stayed at a friends house, and it took about one hour to get to the parking for Yas Marina Circuit. We hired a car and left Dubai quite early in the morning, to watch the GP2 race aswell. Unfortunatley as we left so early we caught the rush hour traffic and there was a bit of a traffic jam just before getting to Abu Dhabi, but once past this traffic there were hardly any cars on the road in Abu Dhabi, and it was a pretty straight forward journey as there was just one long main road that you went on until you saw the signs for parking for the grand prix. Once at the parking a bus took us directly to the circuit where we spent a bit of time buying some merchandise before going to our seats.
    Unfortunatley i don’t know about ticket prices as a close friend of ours, who works in GP2 was able to get us VIP tickets into the GP2 pitlane which was quite exciting, as i was able to meet some of the drivers.
    After walking around the GP2 pitlane for a bit we went to the seats directly above the GP2 pitlane in the support stand. From where we were sitting we could see the cars coming round Turn 10, down the long staright, and then saw them again going round Turn 14, 15, 16, 17 & 18.
    For my first Grand Prix i found the whole experience quite amazing, and i would love to return to the Yas Marina Circuit soon.

  6. Hi,

    I am flying out from London to attend this years 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix which will be my first in Abu Dhabi

    I would greatly appreciate any help with peoples thoughts as to the best seats to watch the race?

    Really appreciate peoples views

    Nick

    1. i bought tickets for all 3 days and will be based in the North grandstand – looking on line it seems these seats offer great views of the cars accelerating towards you, breaking, coming around the hairpin at much slower speads and then up the long striaght. In all, they look perfect so fingers crossed. Lee I have my flights, I fly into Dubai Thursday morning

      1. hi Nick

        i wont be arriving until the friday evening but i have a weekend pass for the north grandstand, looks excellent

        bit of a pain having to go there on my own but i wouldnt miss this as this will be my 3rd race this year.

  7. Does anyone know whether you can walk around other areas of the circuit if you get a grandstand ticket? Some circuits allow you to go anywhere on the Friday – even in the other grandstands, and it’s a great opportunity to find the best vantage points.

    1. Hi there,

      Yes you will be able to do the pit walk on the Thursday (day before practise). Pit Walk only valid with the 3 day passes.

      You also get to see the teams/drivers mid preparation. Last year the drivers were signing autographs too.

      Check out our website if you need more info.

      Cheers
      Hala Abu Dhabi

  8. hi guys

    i will be attending my first abu dhabi GP last year flying out from newcastle or london possibly on my own

    to Nick ritter, have you booked your flight yet?

    is there anyone else going on there own that would be interested in meeting up at the circuit..just for a bit of company as imagine it could be quite lonely out there on your own !

    1. Hi Lee,

      Have you booked your flights, accommodation and tickets yet?

      If not, check out our website – we are doing some amzaing F1 packages with flights on the sponsor carrier, Etihad Airways plus accommodation on Yas Island.

      You can check out the pistonheads/middle east section – they normally have a big meet up around F1.

      Cheers
      Hala Abu Dhabi

    2. Hi, just been reading this thread. All being well I will be in Dubai in November and I’m planning on going to my first F1 race.

      Going to be in Dubai with the family, but will be going to the race on my own. If anyone wants to share transport from Dubai to Abu Dhabi on race day or meet up at the circuit, let me know.

      Cheers Gary

      1. hi Gary

        pleased im not the only one going on my own!

        which grandstand is your ticket in?

        i’ll b stsying in abu dhabi but will meet at the circuit.

        Lee

        1. Lee

          Just looking into where to get my tickets from, any suggestions for which website ?

          Gary

          1. my ticket is for sat/sun in north grandstand

            i got mine from here

            http://www.global-grand-prix.com

            regards

          2. Flights booked, hotel booked, race tickets booked (north stand)…..can’t wait!

            Will be travelling from Dubai on race day, anyone want to share transport ?

            Will be getting the park and ride bus from Shahama if the buses are the same as last year.

            Did anyone use this service from Shahama, if so is ti easy to find etc…?

            Cheers Gary

          3. Hi Gary,

            I will also be flying down to dubai as my wife wants to stay there while i ll take the trip alone to the race.. i havent decided on which stand? north or main grandstand? maybe we could share the ride.

  9. Hey guys,

    I might be at the Abu Dhabi race this year again as we did last year, tending to the Etihad F1 simulators. if any of you guys are coming, do look out for me at the Etihad booth around the circuit. Is there any way we all could get in touch and plan a meeting? FB maybe? If yes, search Alvin Kassim and add me, send PM with title “Abu Dhabi race – F1Fanatic meetup”.

    Cheers

  10. hi Alvin

    this is my first time this year.

    just wondering what day everyone is getting there etc.
    i think a meetup sounds a great idea !

  11. Hi Lee,

    I think everybody should be there by Thursday. We haven’t got confirmation from Etihad yet but once I have it, I will let everybody know of the details.

    1. i am travelling on my own but wont arrive till friday night !

      ive never been to the circuit before so would be good to have company there before the race starts or meetup outside the circuit on the weekend?

      1. hi lee,

        where will u be staying in abu dhabi? last year i stayed at the hotel on yas island next to the track. we walked to the track everyday. yas island is basically a desert island, nothing much but then again, this is abu dhabi, this year the place could look like downtown for all i know..haha.

        anyway, if you stay in town, it will cost you about AED80 to AED100 per trip there by taxi, not sure about buses tho. this year i don’t know where we’ll be at yet, hopefully in town as there’ll be more to see and do.

        if you’re staying in town, maybe we could meet..i’ll let you know.

  12. hi,

    well i know im definitly not in the hotel on yas island

    im staying in L’arabia hotel apartments, not sure how close to town that actually is !

    1. Hi Lee,

      L’Arabia is near the airport, which means far from town but near to Yas Island..here’s a link..

      http://www.larabia.ae/en/Index.aspx

      The place looks fancy.

      1. ah well suppose if its close to airport and near to yas island that will do me, just didnt wanna be a million miles from the circuit ! :)

        suppose if anyones staying at yas island that would be ideal as it wont be far from me

        thanks for the link

  13. Hi everyone

    It’ll be my first time in Abu Dhabi, not to mention my first grand prix! Any tips on where to buy tickets at the best rate? Ideally I’d like to go just for the Sunday, so I can do some sight seeing on the saturday (Shop!!). Does anyone know if you can buy tickets just for race day?

    1. hi Maria

      my first time in abu dhabi too (but not my first race)

      i tried to look for one day passes but you definitly have to buy a 2 day pass.

      im in the north grandstand. which seats are you looking for?

      1. hi lee,

        north grandstand is a hairpin, the cars will be slow a bit there..i went to the south grandstand facing the marina, nicer view plus it’s at the end of a very long and fast straight, very good chance for overtaking and accidents..:-)

        1. sounds a good seat but for this time i was after a seat where i can actually listen to the cars braking and hopefully shifting gears !

        2. I think slow corners are better. More overtaking while braking, better chance for great upclose action pictures.

          1. sounds ideal, at silverstone i was in the pit grandstand and hard to get really good pictures !

  14. Hi Maria,

    I’m afraid they don’t have a 1 day pass, min is 2 days. here’s the link:

    https://tickets.ymc.ae/WebPages/EntaWebSubscription/SUBTICKETTYPE.ASPX

    Alvin

    1. thanks Alvink, but I can’t seem to book anything through this website. Do you have any other suggestions? I’m looking for something in the North stand.

      1. hi maria

        just do a google search for the tickets :)

        who are you travelling with and where from?

        1. From london heathrow with gulf air, leaving on the 11th. Can’t wait. The ticket websites all look so variable, how do you know which ones are trust worthy, not to mention the price range. It’s a lot of money and I don’t want to loose it!!

          1. Hi Maria,

            The Yas Marina website should be the best source, although you are right in that there was no way to buy the tickets there..weird. They do have an email address there and phone numbers for you to contact.

            Unfortunately, I have not prepared packages yet for this years’ event but I could forward you to my personal contact at an Abu Dhabi destination management company that handles the packages for the race. Do send me an email at alvin@motorsports-hospitality.com and I will give you more info.

            Regards/Alvin

          2. Maria

            im flying from newcastle on the 12th.

            are you going on your own?

            im gonna be a bit wary being on my own :( but the event should be great.

  15. chanced upon this thread…

    i’m based in dubai and will be attending my first GP (ever!). looks like we will all be in the same (north)grandstand.

    if you guys need further information about the place, let me know. i might be of help. i was told that there will be a shuttle bus from dubai for the entire weekend. I’m waiting for delivery of my tickets and the promoters said the information will be included there.

    1. Sounds good, keep us upto date…

      Like I said in my other postings, I will be travelling from dubai (not sure how yet) on race day, if there’s a shuttle bus even better, if not, sharimg transport would be good.

      Lee, Bilal and anyone else travelling on their own but not staying in dubai, a meet up at the circuit would be good ?

    2. My cousin has lived in Dubai for the last 3 years. I’m flying in from Canada (Montreal) to meet up with her and we have tickets for 3 days in the South Grandstand.

      We will either take a shuttle there from Dubai or drive it.

      Who knows if Ferrari-World will be open?

  16. yeah meetup at circuit sounds good, makes sense as we all in the same grandstand !

    do you guys have tickets for friday practice?

    i only have them for sat/sun

    1. I only have sat/sun as well. North stand seems to be sold out now.

      You from north east then Lee (flying out of N’castle), we also flying from there.

      1. yeah im from the north east and flying out from newcastle

        im flying out on my own as none of my other friends love the sport like i do !

        cant wait will be my 3rd race this year :)

  17. i was lucky enough to get weekend passes. was told tickets are already sold out, or probably just the ones allocated for sale here….will keep you guys posted.

    the most useful tip i got from the sales staff: take the bus to and from Yas so you can drink all the beer you want available at the venue and not worry about driving back to Dubai

  18. Hope anyone can help me. I have just found out that I will be in Dubai on the weekend of the final Grand Prix. However, I dont have a clue where to start to get a ticket. I am sure i can get accomodation and travel sorted nearer the time but what is the best way to get a ticket. The F1 site? F1 specialist companies? Abu Dhabi based vendors? Any advice would be much appreciated – even info not relating to tickets. I havent been to a GP for 10 years so I dont know how these things work! :o)

    1. The best site to buy your tickets would be http://www.yasmarinacircuit.com. The normal 2 or 3 day grand stand tickets are almost all sold out (only Support Pit and South available, I’d go for south). In Dubai/Abu Dhabi you can buy tickets at Etihad shops I believe (Dubai Mall and Abu Dhabi/Dubai Marina Mall).

  19. Hey Ho! I received my tickets today! Yes, there is a free shuttle bus from Dubai but according to the info in my pack, you may need to book in advance via the website (not avaialble yet!).

    Tickets are more or less sold out – someone that works at YAS told me there are less than 2,000 left.

    The free after race concerts have been announced…Linkin Park, Prince I seem to remember.

    It takes about an hour to drive down from DUbai.

    It is brilliant as the Monday, Tuesday and Wed after the race is Eid so we are all on holiday so can stay out late on the Sunday!

  20. got my tickets for the north grandstand last week !

    1. Will have to chase mine up, not got them yet.

      Anyone got timetables for the shuttle buses from Dubai yet, or where to get them ?

      Emailed YAS circuit to ask, but they just said check the website for updates.

      Not long now…..

      It’s gone quiet on here from everyone wanting a meet up at the circuit. Is that still on the cards ?

  21. cant believe im writing this !

    im having to sell my ticket as cant travel due to medical reasons!

    if anyone knows anyone that wants to buy them?

    north grandstand sat/sun tickets

  22. Mates,

    Somebody is offering me a ticket on the Main Grandstand Block 4, will the view on the finish line will be allright?

    Jonathan

  23. Hi Can any one tell me what time you can enter the track on the Thursday? Pit walk

    I have tickets for the whole weekend,

    Thanks

    1. Try around noon time. For more info check their website.

      Last year I missed the pitwalk by mere 20 mins cos of my delayed flight. Hope to make it this time.

  24. Hey guys!

    I’ll be attending the Abu Dhabi GP. Was there last year too and it was nothing short AMAZING! Pretty sure it’s gonna be even better than 2009.

    Will be travelling to Dubai on 10th November and gonna stay in a hotel there. Planning to drive to Abu Dhabi on all four days.

    Looking to make friends in Dubai/Abu Dhabi during my stay there. Is anyone interested in joining me to the circuit for the from Dubai?

    Cheers!

    1. I’ll be travelling from Dubai to the circuit, but only on race day.

      I’m trying to find out how and where to get the free shutle bus in Dubai….anyone know?

  25. Hi guys

    I’m going for my first race and cannot wait! Question for the seasoned veterans – is there anyway from the south stand that we can make it to the main grandstand to see the trophy ceremonies after the race? (I assume thats where they’ll be?).

    Thanks!

    1. Nel, I’m afraid you can’t for two reasons.

      1. I can’t recall the distance between south stand and main grandstand, but ideally you would have to take a shuttle to get from stand A to stand B quickly. If you decide to go walking, you may end up missing it on the big screen as well.

      2. Access to the stands/entrance gates are controlled and restricted based on your tickets (which also act like automated swipe cards). Last year I tried to enter main grandstand using my swipe card and the gate won’t open. Except for Thursdays where they let you enter all stands including the main grandstand for the pitwalk.

  26. Apparently the shuttle bus will be leaving from Dubai Marina Mall every 20 mins but thats all the information I can find. Heading down myslef and hoping not to drive so fingers crossed

    1. I have just emailed YAS circuit, they have advised the following ;

      “With regards to the park and ride options from Dubai, kindly note that as of now the park and ride options from Dubai to YAS marina circuit has been cancelled; it is only in Abu Dhabi, it was a recent update.

      Alternatively, once you are in Dubai you may opt for other transportation methods, such as public transport.

      Please find below the transport information that are available from pick up points in Abu Dhabi

      Abu Dhabi Park & Rides

      Abu Dhabi Park and Ride services will run every 15 – 20 minutes from the following convenient locations:

      – Zayed Sports City
      – Shahama

      Guests must show their F1 ticket to board the park and ride and no pre-booking is required.

      Thursday – Sunday: 10:00 – 0:00 (timings are subject to change, please check the Yas Marina Circuit website for up to date schedule information)”.

      Anyone looking to share taxi etc from Jumeirah Beach area of Dubai ???? let me know.

      1. Wouldn’t mind sharing a taxi. Offer still available?

        1. No probs, will only be going on the sunday, from Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Any good ?

  27. hey guys,
    i got my tickets for all the days of the 2010 F1 in abu dhabi, i was wondering if anyone has any info about the “pit walk” on the thursday? i live in dubai and i know it will take me about an hour to an hour and a half to get there, but is there any official timing when it starts or what? so i can plan my self accordingly, same goes with the other days also especially the sunday, i have not seen any specific timings online anywhere, please post a response as i would not like to miss a second of the action.

    thanks guys!

    1. Hi Navin,

      The complete schedule is available on the circuit website http://www.yasmarinacircuit.com

  28. I’m heading through from Dubai myself, is anyone driving through i could possibly get a lift from? Apparently there’s no chance of me getting on a bus.

    1. Hey Fiona

      I’ll be driving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi each day, including the pitwalk (Thursday). But the thing is I’ll be staying back until the concerts get over from Friday – Sunday.

      Do let me know if you’re interested, I can pick you up and drop off in Dubai.

      Cheers

      1. Hi Ray,

        What area of Dubai you in? Would just need a lift friday and sunday

        1. I’ll be flying into Dubai tomorrow evening, 10th November. Will be putting up at Marco Polo hotel.

          What’s your area in Dubai and which stand are you in for the GP?

          1. I’m actually really close to Deira. My tickets are for the North stand i think, am picking them up tomorrow so will know for sure then.

          2. Cool. North stand is right opposite of concert arena as far as I could recall. I’m at the West stand cos it’s at the end of the longest straight in F1, hope to see lots of overtaking ;)

            Mail me at rehan007@hotmail.com, we’ll decide on the meeting spot.

            Cheers

  29. iv got one ticket for the support pit view (sold out), contact me if your interested on q_ball404@msn.com

  30. Just started packing my suitcase. Off from Heathrow on Thursday morning with MRI, and can’t wait.
    I try and do one overseas race a year, and this year have chosen the best one to see without a doubt.
    Have tickets for the grandstand at the end of the main straight which also gives views of the starting grid and the short piece before the cars go under the hotel.

  31. Not getting into Dubai until Friday morning so hoping to get to the circuit before FP1. Have tickets for the main grandstand, seat numbers 5 and 6 (not bad for a RBR fan).
    Still can’t believe we’ll be at that amazing looking place and for the season finale!
    Any advice from people who went last year?

    1. Ensure you have hour and a half to travel to the circuit if you’re coming from Dubai.

      The GP was very well organized last year and I’m sure it will be even better this year.

      Just get there and enjoy yourself totally! Hoping for an RBR drivers championship too! :)

      1. Thanks Ray, we’re staying on Yas Island, from what I gather the hotel is just a walk from the circuit. Noticed on twitter a couple of journos staying there.

  32. Leaving for Dubai in few hours from now. Hope you all wonderful people have lots of fun at the AUH GP!

    Cheers everyone!

  33. hi everbody,

    I’ll be there in West grand stand.

  34. hi everybody,

    I will be in West grand-stand. Anyone else??

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