2015 Formula 1 Abu Dhabi GP + Yas Viceroy Hotel + Lots of Exotic Cars
Sep 24, 2016, 12:13 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Karachi, Pakistan
Programs: Emirates Skywards Blue, Etihad Guest
Posts: 25
2015 Formula 1 Abu Dhabi GP + Yas Viceroy Hotel + Lots of Exotic Cars
Hello, ladies and gentlemen!
This is going to be my second trip report here on FlyerTalk and just like before, this report is almost a year old but better late than never.
Just to give you guys a little background, I live in Karachi, Pakistan and I am a huge fan of motorsports. I have been following Formula 1 since the last 8 years and have attended 4 grand prix events in person up till now.
Formula 1 has been taking place in Abu Dhabi since 2009 and it has been the only twilight race in the Formula 1 calendar so far. Also, since 2013, the grand prix in Abu Dhabi has been the season finale so after discussion with my fellow friends who religiously follow Formula 1, I purchased my tickets to the Marina Grandstand for the 2015 F1 Abu Dhabi GP which took place from 27th November to 29th November, 2015.
With regards to this, last year during September, Etihad Airways had a promotion going on therefore I used that opportunity to book a round-trip ticket from KHI-AUH-KHI. I booked the ticket 2 months in advance so got a very nice fare of just around $250.
Etihad Airways operates two daily flights from Abu Dhabi to Karachi, EY221 which departs Abu Dhabi late at night and arrives in Karachi after midnight and EY200 which departs Abu Dhabi in the afternoon and arrives in Karachi in the evening. EY usually flies their Airbus A320 and A321 on this sector but sometimes it's replaced by a Boeing 777-300(ER). My flight EY201 from KHI-AUH was on-board EY's B77w whilst on my way back, EY200 was operated by an Airbus A321.
In this trip report of mine, I'll share my experience and pictures from the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, a 2-night stay at the Yas Viceroy Hotel which is built right above the Yas Marina Circuit where the Formula 1 GP takes place, a 1-night stay at the Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel, usual sight-seeing in Dubai/Abu Dhabi and all the exotic cars that I came across during my stay there.
I hope you guys will like my trip report and all the pictures.
Regards,
Fahad H.
Here are some teaser pictures to build the interest before I start posting in chronological order.
This is going to be my second trip report here on FlyerTalk and just like before, this report is almost a year old but better late than never.
Just to give you guys a little background, I live in Karachi, Pakistan and I am a huge fan of motorsports. I have been following Formula 1 since the last 8 years and have attended 4 grand prix events in person up till now.
Formula 1 has been taking place in Abu Dhabi since 2009 and it has been the only twilight race in the Formula 1 calendar so far. Also, since 2013, the grand prix in Abu Dhabi has been the season finale so after discussion with my fellow friends who religiously follow Formula 1, I purchased my tickets to the Marina Grandstand for the 2015 F1 Abu Dhabi GP which took place from 27th November to 29th November, 2015.
With regards to this, last year during September, Etihad Airways had a promotion going on therefore I used that opportunity to book a round-trip ticket from KHI-AUH-KHI. I booked the ticket 2 months in advance so got a very nice fare of just around $250.
Etihad Airways operates two daily flights from Abu Dhabi to Karachi, EY221 which departs Abu Dhabi late at night and arrives in Karachi after midnight and EY200 which departs Abu Dhabi in the afternoon and arrives in Karachi in the evening. EY usually flies their Airbus A320 and A321 on this sector but sometimes it's replaced by a Boeing 777-300(ER). My flight EY201 from KHI-AUH was on-board EY's B77w whilst on my way back, EY200 was operated by an Airbus A321.
In this trip report of mine, I'll share my experience and pictures from the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, a 2-night stay at the Yas Viceroy Hotel which is built right above the Yas Marina Circuit where the Formula 1 GP takes place, a 1-night stay at the Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel, usual sight-seeing in Dubai/Abu Dhabi and all the exotic cars that I came across during my stay there.
I hope you guys will like my trip report and all the pictures.
Regards,
Fahad H.
Here are some teaser pictures to build the interest before I start posting in chronological order.
Last edited by fahadhasan; Sep 24, 2016 at 12:29 pm
Sep 24, 2016, 6:57 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Karachi, Pakistan
Programs: Emirates Skywards Blue, Etihad Guest
Posts: 25
Finally, the day arrived and it was time to fly from Karachi to Abu Dhabi on-board Etihad Airways flights EY201.
Proceeding towards the gate after immigrations:
My flight was scheduled to depart on Wednesday, 25th November, 2015 at around 2200 hours.
Boarding commenced approximately 30-45 minutes before the scheduled departure time and our aircraft for today's flight was parked right next to an Emirates Boeing 777-300(ER) which would take passengers from Karachi to Dubai.
Currently, Emirates is the only international carrier which has 6 daily flights on the KHI-DXB-KHI sector.
As mentioned in my initial post, Etihad usually operates their Airbus A320 and A321 on this sector but it was being operated by a Boeing 777-300(ER) today.
We departed approximately 20 minutes after the actual scheduled time and reached the cruising altitude of 38,000 feet shortly. Night lights from Karachi right after the plane took off:
Since all the Etihad Airways B77w's are equipped with WiFi, I bought the WiFi package for myself and the speed was actually quite decent. It costed me $5 for 30 minutes.
55 minutes to landing:
Mood-lighting:
We landed in Abu Dhabi at around 2330 hours (local UAE time) but it took quite some time for our aircraft to reach the gate due to the traffic at Abu Dhabi Airport.
Our aircraft parked right next to an Etihad Airways Airbus A380-800.
Proceeding towards the gate after immigrations:
My flight was scheduled to depart on Wednesday, 25th November, 2015 at around 2200 hours.
Boarding commenced approximately 30-45 minutes before the scheduled departure time and our aircraft for today's flight was parked right next to an Emirates Boeing 777-300(ER) which would take passengers from Karachi to Dubai.
Currently, Emirates is the only international carrier which has 6 daily flights on the KHI-DXB-KHI sector.
As mentioned in my initial post, Etihad usually operates their Airbus A320 and A321 on this sector but it was being operated by a Boeing 777-300(ER) today.
We departed approximately 20 minutes after the actual scheduled time and reached the cruising altitude of 38,000 feet shortly. Night lights from Karachi right after the plane took off:
Since all the Etihad Airways B77w's are equipped with WiFi, I bought the WiFi package for myself and the speed was actually quite decent. It costed me $5 for 30 minutes.
55 minutes to landing:
Mood-lighting:
We landed in Abu Dhabi at around 2330 hours (local UAE time) but it took quite some time for our aircraft to reach the gate due to the traffic at Abu Dhabi Airport.
Our aircraft parked right next to an Etihad Airways Airbus A380-800.
Sep 24, 2016, 7:27 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Karachi, Pakistan
Programs: Emirates Skywards Blue, Etihad Guest
Posts: 25
After arriving in Abu Dhabi pretty lateon Wednesday, I headed towards my friend's residence and decided to call it a night since I was pretty tired.
Next day marked the starting of the Formula 1 weekend and I was pretty excited for that. For those who do not know, a Formula 1 weekend starts off from Thursday and continues all the way till Sunday.
On Thursday, the Pitlane walk takes place where spectators get a chance to walk around the circuit and take a look at the garages of all the teams up close. There are driver autograph sessions on Thursday as well.
My most prised possession, the tickets to the Formula 1 event:
Formula 1 in Abu Dhabi takes place at the Yas Marina Circuit. Yas Marina Circuit is located on the Yas Island which is around 30 minutes away from Downtown, Abu Dhabi. The circuit is 5.5 km long and was designed by renowned architect Hermann Tilke. It's designed in such a way that it passes through the marina and Yas Viceroy Hotel.
Me and my friends arrived at the circuit in the afternoon for the Pitlane walk and proceeded towards the entrance. There were a lot of people and it was a pretty exciting feeling to get so close to all the team garages and the Formula 1 cars.
After the Pitlane walk, I bid farewell to my friends for the day and came to my uncle's apartment. Views of Downtown, Abu Dhabi from the 14th floor:
Next day marked the starting of the Formula 1 weekend and I was pretty excited for that. For those who do not know, a Formula 1 weekend starts off from Thursday and continues all the way till Sunday.
On Thursday, the Pitlane walk takes place where spectators get a chance to walk around the circuit and take a look at the garages of all the teams up close. There are driver autograph sessions on Thursday as well.
My most prised possession, the tickets to the Formula 1 event:
Formula 1 in Abu Dhabi takes place at the Yas Marina Circuit. Yas Marina Circuit is located on the Yas Island which is around 30 minutes away from Downtown, Abu Dhabi. The circuit is 5.5 km long and was designed by renowned architect Hermann Tilke. It's designed in such a way that it passes through the marina and Yas Viceroy Hotel.
Me and my friends arrived at the circuit in the afternoon for the Pitlane walk and proceeded towards the entrance. There were a lot of people and it was a pretty exciting feeling to get so close to all the team garages and the Formula 1 cars.
After the Pitlane walk, I bid farewell to my friends for the day and came to my uncle's apartment. Views of Downtown, Abu Dhabi from the 14th floor:
Sep 24, 2016, 7:53 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Karachi, Pakistan
Programs: Emirates Skywards Blue, Etihad Guest
Posts: 25
Next day was Friday which marked the beginning of the Formula 1 weekend in full swing.
On Friday, during the Formula 1 weekend, Final Practice 1 and Final Practice 2 takes place, which are 1 and half-hour long sessions each, where drivers are given an opportunity to get a feel of the circuit whilst driving their cars.
It felt good to be sitting in the grandstands again at the Yas Marina Circuit. So far, I've attended the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi during 2009, 2013, 2014 and 2015. This time around, I got the tickets to the Marina Grandstand which is situated right above the pitlane for GP2/GP3.
Yas Viceroy Hotel as seen from the Marina Grandstand:
Infiniti Red Bull Racing:
McLaren Honda:
Lotus Renault:
Mercedes AMG Petronas:
Scuderia Ferrari:
Sahara Force India and Infiniti Red Bull Racing:
GP3 car of ART driver Esteban Ocon:
On Friday, during the Formula 1 weekend, Final Practice 1 and Final Practice 2 takes place, which are 1 and half-hour long sessions each, where drivers are given an opportunity to get a feel of the circuit whilst driving their cars.
It felt good to be sitting in the grandstands again at the Yas Marina Circuit. So far, I've attended the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi during 2009, 2013, 2014 and 2015. This time around, I got the tickets to the Marina Grandstand which is situated right above the pitlane for GP2/GP3.
Yas Viceroy Hotel as seen from the Marina Grandstand:
Infiniti Red Bull Racing:
McLaren Honda:
Lotus Renault:
Mercedes AMG Petronas:
Scuderia Ferrari:
Sahara Force India and Infiniti Red Bull Racing:
GP3 car of ART driver Esteban Ocon:
Sep 24, 2016, 8:12 pm
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Karachi, Pakistan
Programs: Emirates Skywards Blue, Etihad Guest
Posts: 25
The best part about Friday during the Formula 1 weekend in Abu Dhabi is that there's a Ferrari parade organised by the Ferrari Owner's Club of the UAE which starts off from Dubai and comes all the way to the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.
Being a huge Scuderia Ferrari fan myself, I am always excited for the rally. Here are a few pictures of all the beautiful Italian prancing horses which were a part of the rally.
A beautiful sea of Ferrari's:
Ferrari F50, 458 Speciale, 599 GTB, 458 Italia and so many more:
And some more:
Ferrari F50 and 458 Speciale in Azzurro Dino:
599 GTB and FF:
Widebody 458 Italia by Liberty Walk:
Being a huge Scuderia Ferrari fan myself, I am always excited for the rally. Here are a few pictures of all the beautiful Italian prancing horses which were a part of the rally.
A beautiful sea of Ferrari's:
Ferrari F50, 458 Speciale, 599 GTB, 458 Italia and so many more:
And some more:
Ferrari F50 and 458 Speciale in Azzurro Dino:
599 GTB and FF:
Widebody 458 Italia by Liberty Walk:
Sep 24, 2016, 8:26 pm
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Karachi, Pakistan
Programs: Emirates Skywards Blue, Etihad Guest
Posts: 25
Some more Ferrari madness!
Widebody 458 Italia by Liberty Walk:
458 Speciale, California, FF, 458 Italia x 2, 612 Scaglietti etc.
458 Speciale x 2:
FF, 458 Italia x 2, 612 Scaglietti
Not a big fan of those rims on the white California:
You guys must be tired of seeing so many Ferrari's by now so here's something different but still Italian.
Bella Toro:
Widebody 458 Italia by Liberty Walk:
458 Speciale, California, FF, 458 Italia x 2, 612 Scaglietti etc.
458 Speciale x 2:
FF, 458 Italia x 2, 612 Scaglietti
Not a big fan of those rims on the white California:
You guys must be tired of seeing so many Ferrari's by now so here's something different but still Italian.
Bella Toro:
Sep 24, 2016, 8:42 pm
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Karachi, Pakistan
Programs: Emirates Skywards Blue, Etihad Guest
Posts: 25
After the parade, me and my friends headed towards the Yas Viceroy Hotel from where we watched the rest of the Final Practice 2 session.
Apparently, it was almost impossible to capture these cars using a phone's camera.
Stunning exteriors of the Yas Viceroy Hotel where I stayed for 2 nights after the Formula 1 weekend (will include the details of the stay separately):
The Batmobile showed up as well:
Absolutely love the wrap on this Lamborghini Aventador:
After the Final Practice 2 session ended, there was a concert of Enrique Iglesias at the Du Arena which comes as a part of the Formula 1 entertainment package:
Apparently, it was almost impossible to capture these cars using a phone's camera.
Stunning exteriors of the Yas Viceroy Hotel where I stayed for 2 nights after the Formula 1 weekend (will include the details of the stay separately):
The Batmobile showed up as well:
Absolutely love the wrap on this Lamborghini Aventador:
After the Final Practice 2 session ended, there was a concert of Enrique Iglesias at the Du Arena which comes as a part of the Formula 1 entertainment package:
Sep 25, 2016, 5:00 am
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Karachi, Pakistan
Programs: Emirates Skywards Blue, Etihad Guest
Posts: 25
Up next was Saturday which is a very important day during the Formula 1 weekend. On Saturday, a 1-hour long Final Practice 3 session takes place which is followed by the Qualifying Session.
Qualifying is a 1-hour long session and is broken down into three segments, i.e. Q1, Q2 and Q3. Each qualifying segment sees multiple drivers on track simultaneously, with each allowed to run as many laps as they want. After each segment of the Qualifying session ends, a certain number of drivers are eliminated based on which the starting grid for the race on Sunday is formed.
Scuderia Toro Rosso:
Infiniti Red Bull Racing:
Qualifying session extends into the night:
Top 3 qualifiers for the Grand Prix on Sunday (L to R) Lewis Hamilton (P2), Nico Rosberg (P1) and Kimi Raikonnen (P3):
Qualifying is a 1-hour long session and is broken down into three segments, i.e. Q1, Q2 and Q3. Each qualifying segment sees multiple drivers on track simultaneously, with each allowed to run as many laps as they want. After each segment of the Qualifying session ends, a certain number of drivers are eliminated based on which the starting grid for the race on Sunday is formed.
Scuderia Toro Rosso:
Infiniti Red Bull Racing:
Qualifying session extends into the night:
Top 3 qualifiers for the Grand Prix on Sunday (L to R) Lewis Hamilton (P2), Nico Rosberg (P1) and Kimi Raikonnen (P3):
Sep 25, 2016, 5:23 am
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Karachi, Pakistan
Programs: Emirates Skywards Blue, Etihad Guest
Posts: 25
Finally came Sunday, the day of the race. Prior to the main Formula 1 race, there are support races involving GP2/GP3 cars.
The main Formula 1 race starts off in Abu Dhabi at 1700 hours (local time) and continues until around 1830 to 1900 hours depending on any racing incidents which might extend the time of the race.
All of the GP3 cars:
A few GP3 cars that crashed:
This one, sadly, caught fire upon crashing:
Since Etihad Airways is the title sponsor of the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, they conduct a flypast 5 minutes prior to the start of the main race.
Here's Etihad's Airbus A380 conducting a flypast over the Yas Marina Circuit whilst being escorted by the Al Fursan, UAE aerobatic display team:
Formation lap:
First lap and the racing action begins:
The main Formula 1 race starts off in Abu Dhabi at 1700 hours (local time) and continues until around 1830 to 1900 hours depending on any racing incidents which might extend the time of the race.
All of the GP3 cars:
A few GP3 cars that crashed:
This one, sadly, caught fire upon crashing:
Since Etihad Airways is the title sponsor of the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, they conduct a flypast 5 minutes prior to the start of the main race.
Here's Etihad's Airbus A380 conducting a flypast over the Yas Marina Circuit whilst being escorted by the Al Fursan, UAE aerobatic display team:
Formation lap:
First lap and the racing action begins:
Sep 25, 2016, 5:42 am
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Karachi, Pakistan
Programs: Emirates Skywards Blue, Etihad Guest
Posts: 25
Racing actions continues into the night:
A panorama of the circuit view from my seat:
More difficult to catch these fast cars during night:
The Yas Viceroy Hotel at night:
Phenomenal display of fireworks after the race finished:
After the race, me and my friends headed towards to the Yas Viceroy Hotel and came across this beast on our way there, DMC-tuned Lamborghini Aventador:
We then went to the Yas Marina and came across all these beautiful cars and yachts on our way there:
Parties were going on in full swing inside all the Yachts:
A panorama of the circuit view from my seat:
More difficult to catch these fast cars during night:
The Yas Viceroy Hotel at night:
Phenomenal display of fireworks after the race finished:
After the race, me and my friends headed towards to the Yas Viceroy Hotel and came across this beast on our way there, DMC-tuned Lamborghini Aventador:
We then went to the Yas Marina and came across all these beautiful cars and yachts on our way there:
Parties were going on in full swing inside all the Yachts:
Sep 25, 2016, 5:59 am
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Karachi, Pakistan
Programs: Emirates Skywards Blue, Etihad Guest
Posts: 25
Thank you for your comment, JohnRain 
I hope you'll enjoy the upcoming parts of my trip report as well.
I am delighted to hear that, blueferrari Judging by your username, you seem like a Ferrari fan and I am pretty sure you'll enjoy the Ferrari Parade part and the upcoming things to come in my trip report.
I am glad you liked it, thank you But this is just the starting, the more interesting parts are yet to come so stay tuned for it.
Thank you for your comment, Madone59 I read your trip report of the Chinese Grand Prix and really loved it. Do you've any plans to attend another grand prix in the near future?
I hope you'll enjoy the upcoming parts of my trip report as well.I am delighted to hear that, blueferrari
Judging by your username, you seem like a Ferrari fan and I am pretty sure you'll enjoy the Ferrari Parade part and the upcoming things to come in my trip report.I am glad you liked it, thank you
But this is just the starting, the more interesting parts are yet to come so stay tuned for it. I read your trip report of the Chinese Grand Prix and really loved it. Do you've any plans to attend another grand prix in the near future?