Abu Dhabi Grand Prix most popular sporting event in UAE

Abu Dhabi: This weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be special for Force India as it will mark the 150th race of the Silverstone-based team which entered Formula 1 in 2008.

Hamilton set the standard in FP1 at the season finale on Friday morning, but Merc team-mate Nico Rosberg was slightly quicker than him on the supersofts in the second session.

Wounded by another predictable and tiresome championship, and locked in a decision-making paralysis, the end of the Formula One season comes more as a relief than a climax.

Red Bull drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Daniil Kvyat were fourth and sixth, with the team reverting to an earlier-specification Renault engine for this race after being unsatisfied with the performance of the new-spec power train in the previous race. “I hope I get to do one one day”. But I just have to go quicker in the corners… Still, with Hamilton’s number being 44, and the fact he is chasing a 44th career victory, all seems in place for a Hamilton triumph.

“Generally it is the same every weekend, but this weekend so far the long run pace doesn’t feel so good”. Lots of boat parties in the marina, lots of fun. Through 18 races, NBC Sports Group’s F1 coverage has averaged 533,000 viewers, up 17% vs. the same point of the 2014 F1 season.

So it’s hardly surprising that Jessica Button (née Michibata) was on hand to support her husband Jenson in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. “I’ve had an fantastic year, for sure it’s been the best year all round and l think that has shown in my results”.

“It’s cool how it all ties in”, said the Mercedes driver, twice a victor at the Yas Marina circuit. Palm trees adorn the edges of the circuit with intricate stadium sections around stunning architecture.

The fly-past will begin at 4.35pm taking place before and after the UAE National Anthem, minutes before the start of the grand sporting event on Sunday. “Not least because of the excitement and buzz that the fans bring and the incredible setting Abu Dhabi provides for a racing venue”.

Hamilton sealed his third championship in Austin last month, but has subsequently seen his team-mate win consecutive races.

Mercedes retained their constructors’ crown with room to spare and Lewis Hamilton dominated the drivers’ championship, winning with three races left on the calendar.