LOWNDES AND HOLDSWORTH ENJOY FIRST CLASS THRILLS IN ABU DHABI
(EDS NB: Mark Horsburgh will send a full news picture feed to all desks this morning)
Craig Lowndes and Lee Holdsworth have enjoyed an Easter break in Abu Dhabi, taking in some of the most exhilarating sights and sounds ahead of V8 Supercars’ November event in the United Arab Emirates.
Lowndes and Holdsworth are spending four days in the Middle East to coincide with tickets going on sale for the 2012 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix where V8 Supercars will race alongside the world’s best from November 2-4. Tickets went on sale globally on Sunday.
As part of their stay the V8 Supercar pair raced Lowndes’ Holden Commodore, which was flown across from TeamVodafone’s Brisbane base, with Holdsworth in a Yas Marina Aston Martin.
The pair scaled what has been described as the greatest driving road in the world, the Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road which extends for 11.7 km up the mountain, rising 1,219m with 21 corners and three lanes.
“It was an amazing thing to do,” Holdsworth said. “Abu Dhabi is such an incredible place, we have had an absolute ball over here. There’s nothing you can’t do, I’d recommend having a holiday here to anyone and I can see why plenty of Aussies do.”
Spectacular pictures of the ‘head to head’ and the pair surfing and white water rafting at the world famous Wadi Adventure in Abu Dhabi were part of the precursor to an amazing finishing stunt that is being made into a yet to be released a world-wide viral video.
When Lowndes and Holdsworth return in November it is anticipated that, now in its fourth year, the race weekend will again host a sell-out crowd with 50,000 spectators gathering at Yas Marina Circuit to watch the excitement.
“Being alongside Formula One, as we are at the Melbourne Grand Prix, is heaven for us and for the fans. You can have the best of the best in open wheel racing and the world’s best touring cars. That combined with the unbelievable Yas Marina Circuit makes it an absolute must,” said Lowndes.
“Anyone from Australia can get here so easily and take up a package that includes flights, accommodation and great tickets to the race. They can then do everything we have done in the last few days while they are here.”
V8 Supercar fans can but tickets in the grandstand directly above the pits for a birds eye view of the action.
In addition to a new ticket structure, Yas Marina Circuit, the Grand Prix organiser, has teamed up with Etihad Airways, the award-winning national airline of the UAE, to deliver a series of all-inclusive flight, hotel and race weekend packages to entice regional and international motorsport fans and international leisure and entertainment seekers. Full details of these and all other available packages can be found at www.yasmarinacircuit.ae or www.etihadracing.com.
In another first for 2012, the popular Australian V8 Supercars series will be the official F1™ support race. Fans of this bumper-to-bumper series can buy select seating packages granting exclusive weekend access to the V8 Supercar pits and drivers. Marina Grandstand Boxes also provide access to the V8 Supercar pits and drivers.
“The all-inclusive options enable visitors to experience the best of Abu Dhabi during the most exciting week of the year,” said Richard Cregan, Chief Executive Officer, Yas Marina Circuit. “We work very hard to raise the bar every year, and believe we are offering the most innovative race and entertainment packages out there. Families and visitors of all ages will not be disappointed.”
The destination-driven packages are offered in three categories – Luxury & Lifestyle, Entertainment Seekers and Motorsport Fans – with a view to targeting as many niche sectors as possible. A range of upgrades and add-ons are also available.
Leveraging the core attraction of Grand Prix weekend action, the travel packages are designed to encompass the best of Abu Dhabi’s increasingly diverse tourism portfolio. Ranging from value to luxury, the packages will include a number of city-based tours, wide-ranging leisure activities and varied accommodation options at both city and beachfront resorts.
“Since the first race in 2009, the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has grown in popularity each year, cementing its status as a must-see event on the international sporting calendar,” said James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways. “We look forward to bringing more of the world to Abu Dhabi to experience first-hand this dynamic event and world class-destination.”
Race-goers are being offered a variety of seating and hospitality upgrades available for the first time, allowing them to tailor-make their race weekend experience – including Marina Club and South Club upgrades.
On the corporate sales front, Yas Viceroy Hotel Private Suites & Terrace Tickets and Marina Grandstand Boxes are available again.
In another first for 2012, the popular Australian V8 Supercars series will be the official F1™ support race. Fans of this bumper-to-bumper series can buy select seating packages granting exclusive weekend access to the V8 Supercar pits and drivers. Marina Grandstand Boxes also provide access to the V8 Supercar pits and drivers.
Beyond the on-track action, F1 ticket holders will be able to enjoy a wider entertainment programme in the Oasis areas behind the Grandstands, while the Yasalam after-race concerts of world class acts will once again draw F1 ticket holders to the neighbouring Yas Arena after the days’ on-track action.
Previous Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekends have seen world-class acts such as Sir Paul McCartney, Beyoncé, Kings of Leon, Aerosmith, Britney Spears and Linkin Park perform to crowds in excess of 30,000 per night. With free concerts on the Corniche, celebration events taking place across the city, and plans under way for more exclusive F1 ticket-holder only entertainment, the Capital is gearing up once more for an action packed F1 week.
All race weekend tickets are available internationally through: Hala Abu Dhabi (Etihad Airways’ destination management company), Grand Prix Tickets (Austria), F1.Com (Austria), TRAVEL F1.com (London, UK), Platinium Group (Monaco), BookF1.com (London, UK), Motor Passion LTD (Berkshire, UK), Thomas Cook Sport (UK), Profile F1 Tickets (UK), The Ticket Enterprise bv (Netherlands), Ticket+Travel (Amsterdam), Leisure Far East Ltd (Hong Kong), Thomas Cook India (INDIA).
-ENDS-
Note to Editors:
2012 International Package Categories
Tickets to the 2012 Formula 1TM Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix are available now across the following all inclusive package categories:
- Grandstand (North, South, West, Marina): North, South, West, and Marina Grandstand tickets are priced at AED 1,875 for two days and AED 2,080 for three days. Two day tickets are now available at AED 1500 and three day tickets are available AED 1,665 until 31 May with the 20% early bird discount.
- Marina Club Upgrade: Available to three day Marina Grandstand ticket holders, the Marina Club Upgrade includes exclusive access to the Australian V8 Support Paddock with clear views of the pit lane and all the V8 Supercar action. Marina Club ticket holders will also enjoy reserved seating and access to a relaxing club lounge area with exclusive food and beverages outlets. Marina Club upgrades are priced at AED 2,600 and are not applicable for the 20% early bird discount.
- South Club Upgrade: Available to South Grandstand ticket holders, the South Club Upgrade includes reserved seating and access to a relaxing club lounge area with exclusive private food and beverages outlets. South Club upgrades are priced at AED 2,600 and are not applicable for the 20% early bird discount.
- Grandstand (Main): Offering prime views of the start/finish line, Main Grandstand tickets are priced at AED 2,200 for three-day ticket and are not applicable for the 20% early bird discount.
- Category 1 Tickets: Located within the Main, West and North Grandstands, Category 1 Al Jood and Al Dhiyafa three-day tickets offer both prime views of the start finish line and luxuries such as balcony seating, air-conditioned lounges, complementary food and beverage service, and complimentary parking. Category 1 three day tickets are available at AED 4,420 and are not applicable for the 20% early bird discount.
- Formula One Paddock Club™: Formula One Paddock Club tickets offer the full VIP experience including unrivalled views of the circuit, pit lanes and all the on-track action. Paddock Club ticket holders will also enjoy guided pit lane walks, VIP parking and gourmet open-bar hospitality including fine food and wine. Formula One Paddock Club three day tickets start at AED 16,900 per person and are the ideal for both corporate hosting and discerning F1 fans.
- Yas Viceroy Hotel Private Suites and Terrace Tickets: Yas Viceroy Hotel Private Suite and Terrace tickets allow fans to watch all of the excitement of the race from the luxurious surrounds of a Yas Viceroy Hotel private suite or open air terrace. Available to groups of 25 and 35 people for suite tickets, and groups of 50 to 100 guests for terrace tickets, these tickets allow fans to experience the sensation of the Formula 1™ cars passing directly underneath the hotel and are ideal for corporate hosting or large groups of friends.
- Marina Grandstand Boxes: Featuring some of the finest panoramic views of the on track action, the Yas Marina, private Marina Grandstand Boxes are located on the first floor of Marina Grandstand, and feature a dedicated balcony overlooking the track and access to the Australian V8 Supercar Pit Lane Walk. Grandstand Box ticket holders will enjoy a selection of canapés and beverages throughout each day and a pre-race gourmet three-course meal. Perfect for corporate hosting or large groups of friends, Grandstand Boxes can be booked for groups for 40 or tables of 10.
Ticket Outlets:
• Online: www.yasmarinacircuit.ae
• Call centre: 800 927 ( YAS) or +971 (0) 2 659 9800
• Selected Etihad Airways shops
• Virgin Megastores across the UAE and GCC
• Yas Hotel on Yas Island
• Yas Marina Circuit ticket stand in Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi
• Yas Marina Circuit ticket stand in Mall of the Emirates
• Formula One Paddock Club™, Yas Viceroy Hotel Private Suites and Terrace and Marina Grandstand Box tickets are available through the Yas Marina Circuit Corporate Sales Team on +971 (0) 2 659 9393 or email sales@ymc.ae.
About Yas Marina Circuit:
Yas Marina Circuit is probably one of the world's most iconic sporting venues. Located on Yas Island, the circuit debuted on October 30, 2009 with the final race of the FIA Formula One World Championship - the inaugural Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to a capacity crowd of around 50,000. Year round, Yas Marina Circuit hosts an extensive programme of leading international and national motorsport racing series as well as major entertainment events and corporate activities. Supplementary facilities include the Yas Drag Racing Centre, the Yas Racing School and the Yas Kartzone
For more information on the event, please contact:
Tariq Zuroub
Regional Media Officer, Yas Marina Circuit
Mobile: +971 (0)56 687 8984
Email: tariq.zuroub@ymc.ae
Houssam Kablawi
Account Manager, Edelman UAE
Mobile: +971 (0) 50 441 5126
Email: houssam.kablawi@edelman.com
For further information on V8 Supercars:
Cole Hitchcock | Media Manager | D +61 7 5630 0315
M 0412 743 097 | F +61 7 5630 0338 | P +61 7 5630 0364 | www.v8supercars.com.au
PO Box 607, Southport BC, QLD, 4215