Yas Marina Circuit is racing into the new season with a bumper line-up of full-throttle fun.
Sports fans in the capital are in for a treat with a string of awesome events, initiatives and things to do over the winter and spring months.
Highlights include the opening race of 2019 FIA World Rallycross Championship, the addition of a new cycling session and a dedicated day of driving run by women, for women.
The eyes of the world will be on the circuit next month as Lewis Hamilton and co roar into town for the 10th edition of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
But Yas Marina Circuit bosses are keen to make sure the world-class facility is used to its full potential for the remaining 364 days of the year.
This month will welcome the milestone of more than one million visits to the track’s StartYAS, TrainYAS and GoYAS community sporting events.
Fitness fans have been enjoying the chance to run, cycle and walk around the awe-inspiring track for ages now, but an extra dimension has been added for the upcoming months.
TrainAM, a new partnership with Abu Dhabi Cycling Club, will be open to members of the community and clubs across the capital for keen cyclists to train.
Al Tareq Al Ameri, CEO of Yas Marina Circuit, said: “Yas Marina Circuit is proud of its long track record of hosting thrilling motorsport races that attract fans from across the globe to Abu Dhabi while our innovative health and fitness events and challenges have helped us to reach the incredible milestone of welcoming one million visits.
“Each year the Circuit’s annual event’s calendar is filled with the biggest and best activities and programmes that define its position as an important multi-purpose venue that serves the entire community.”
The new calendar sees the return of fans’ favourite motorsport events, from single-seater championships and iconic endurance races to street-style drag events, while vintage F1 cars return with the Super Street and Yas Roll Racing drag racing sessions.
And April 5 and 6 2019 will see the capital welcome the rallycross championship, marking the first time the event has visited the Middle East.
Racegoers can expect a full weekend of off-track entertainment as well as the arrival of some of the world’s most talented drivers competing for glory across the Championship’s Supercar and RX2 classes.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Automobile & Touring Club UAE, said: “Bringing the FIA World Rallycross Championship to Yas Marina Circuit is a huge boost to the development of motorsports in the UAE.
“This international event will help to build on the UAE’s already strong heritage of competing in major motorsports events and hosting championship races as well as inspiring a new generation of talented racing stars to compete at the highest level.”
For the first time, there will be a dedicated day for women to experience the thrills of the racetrack.
Led by the circuit’s four female instructors, ladies will get the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities including karting, driving and passenger experiences as they learn from the experts.
If all that action was not enough, amateur racers will also see the benefit of a mega Dhs24 million revamp of the Yas KartZone.
The new 1.2-km track offers improved racing facilities for adults, kids and young children as well upgraded food and beverage outlets and public viewing areas.
It sounds like a busy few months ahead for Yas Marina Circuit, but knowing them as we do, they wouldn’t want it any other way.
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