Ferrari World, another jewel in Abu Dhabi’s crown

Thursday, 29 July 2010 16:25

Today I received an email forward from a colleague. Nothing unusual about that you say?

Well you’re right, but it was noteworthy in this case because the subject of the email was Ferrari World and I received it from a colleague who would struggle to name more than a couple of F1 teams. However as soon as I opened it I could see why Ferrari World is even attracting the attention of those without the slightest interest in motorsports. The images of its distinctive 200,000 m² red roof, with a shape inspired by the classic double curve side profile of a Ferrari GT body, look like something out of a science fiction novel.

Ferrari World, located alongside the Yas Marina Circuit, is due to open in less than three months time. As the world’s largest indoor theme park it is another jewel in Abu Dhabi’s crown and a worthy neighbour to one of the world’s most impressive motorsport facilities. Reading the list of attractions makes it easy to understand why the visitors the park is expected to entice extend beyond fans of Ferrari. The attraction that has really caught my eye is the F1-themed Formula Rossa rollercoaster which developers say will reach 240kph, a speed that those of us who don’t race cars can only dream of. Another one that caught my eye was Paddock, which is touted as a recreation of the Ferrari motor home, offering motorsport addicts like you and me an insight into what happens behind the scenes on race day. But if neither of those attractions appeal to you there are plenty of others, with the park boasting more than 20 state-of-the-art attractions as well as a range of shopping and dining offerings.

With the spectacular Yas Marina Circuit located next door to Ferrari World the question is not if to go, but when. The most prominent draw card would be the F1 season closer to be held in November, which will potentially be the ultimate Championship decider given how the season has played out so far. However it’s not the only draw card given the circuit also boasts one of the world’s youngest quarter miles and the only NHRA approved track outside of the US, with the next Yas Drag Racing Festival to be held in December. Resident Top Fuel driver, Rod Fuller, just missed out on breaking the 500kph barrier at the inaugural festival in March (his quickest pass was an agonisingly close 499.97kph) but his elapsed time of 3.898 seconds was within two tenths of the world ET record. This is potentially now one of the few places in the world to have your mind blown and senses livened by the sight of a three-second quarter mile Top Fuel pass (with the NHRA currently only running Top Fuel dragsters to 1,000 feet rather than the quarter mile equivalent of 1,420 feet). And to make selecting the best time to visit even more difficult it is highly likely that the Australian V8 Supercars will again start their Championship at the Yas Marina Circuit in 2011.

As to when is the best time to go, this Girlracer Magazine reporter can’t help you because I’m having trouble deciding myself. What I will say though is that I’m going to start saving so I can go when the time is right (and enjoy that 240kph rollercoaster among other things). Maybe I’ll bump into you there...Chelsea Woods Girlracer magazine

Worth checking - Motorsport news - F1 news - Chelsea Woods