Driving the track
Programmes from a passenger lap to driving a sports car with an instructor.
Pi3.124 — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Omarsaidi17 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Xiaotong Gao — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Xiaotong Gao — CC BY-SA 3.0
The Formula One Grand Prix circuit, host since 2009 of the season's closing round in most years — meaning the world champion is usually crowned here. What sets it apart from other circuits: it is the only race that starts in daylight and finishes under floodlights, run at sunset with the light shifting through it. And it has a tunnel where the cars pass beneath a hotel built over the track itself. Outside race week the circuit operates as a visitor venue year-round, which many people do not realise: you can drive on the track itself through programmes at varying prices, from a passenger lap in a road car to driving a sports car with an instructor. There are also free cycling and running nights on the circuit in certain seasons — among the best things to do in Abu Dhabi at no cost. Guided tours go into the team areas, the garages, race control and the podium, and are the right option for anyone who wants to see the circuit without driving. It sits on Yas Island alongside Ferrari World, water parks and arenas, and combines with them into a full day. Advance booking is essential for any track activity, and availability follows the event calendar.
Programmes from a passenger lap to driving a sports car with an instructor.
Cars pass beneath a hotel built over the track — unmatched on other circuits.
Into the garages, race control and the podium for anyone not driving.
Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Honestly, much less so. Race control and the garages will mean little to anyone who does not follow the sport, and an empty circuit is not a view. But driving a sports car on a real track stands on its own without any interest in racing, and so do the free cycling nights.
Ferrari World is an indoor theme park with rollercoasters, aimed at families and children. The circuit is a real sporting venue, where what you do is drive or take a technical tour. They adjoin one another on Yas Island and combine in a day, but they are entirely different experiences.
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