The new CEO of Yas Marina Circuit has some big plans in store. He speaks to Caroline McEneaney about Formula 1 and beyond.
What were some of the first changes you implemented as CEO of Yas Marina Circuit?
Since the start of the year, I have been building on the brilliant work carried out in the first five years of Yas Marina Circuit. The launch of this year’s Grand Prix has been the first major announcement and it is all about more of the best – more fans, more exciting race action. Also we have early-bird prices with up to 30 per cent off so if people buy in the next few weeks they will get a superb deal.
What are some of your goals going forward for the Circuit?
Again, we must carry on the great work of the past. But aside from F1, I want to develop more motorsport events with the team and make this a brilliant community destination with events such as the recent Color Run and all the fitness elements of the circuit.
What are you doing to make this coming F1 bigger and better than last year?
We will break the 60,000 fan mark for the first time this year so it will be vital to make sure everyone still has a fantastic time as we increase capacity. We have more fun in place for all the family, and will also incorporate more Abu Dhabi-related activities. Working with everyone in Abu Dhabi is really important. The world looks at us closely each F1 weekend, and we want to show the very best we have to offer right across the city and the rest of the emirate.
What other events are you planning for Yas Marina Circuit?
We are in the early stages of looking at new racing during the year and expect to announce some of this soon in addition to an expanded calendar of community and sport events such as Tri Yas and the track nights for cycling – which are really popular. We have also had the World Economic Forum here at the circuit and more of those types of events will happen in the future.
Is there anything you would really like to see take place at Yas Marina Circuit over the next few years?
I think this year’s Grand Prix could be very special, with a better atmosphere than ever before because it’s the last race of the calendar. I think in general we must keep trying to attract new people to the circuit – that is one of my major goals.
