SimplyAbuDhabi XII

5 4 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I Sebastian Vettel (front left) of Germany and Infiniti Red Bull Racing leads the field through turns one and two at the start of the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit on November 3, 2013 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) in the process. Rules dictate that you cannot gain advantage by passing off the track, but the stewards ruled that given Alonso was driving new ‘soft’ tyres contrasted with Vergne’s medium versions, the advantage would have been immediately regained. Canny but cunning driving from Alonso. So at the close it was Sebastian Vettel in first followed by Webber in another Red Bull car and Nico Rosberg for Mercedes in third. Vettel and teammate Webber celebrated his triumph with doughnut spins on the track after the race, much to the crowd’s delight. Unlike India, he was not penalised for the misdemeanour by the FIA. Some say Vettel’s cut-and-dry dominance makes for dull racing and little action, but his masterful handling of the car and capable steer of the Red Bull team is a beauty to watch in itself. Expect more doughnuts in the future. OFF TRACK For spectators, the best way to experience the Formula One is from the comfort and luxury of a hospitality suite. One of the best, available at Yas Marina Circuit and at other tracks around the world, is that hosted by Halcyon Events. Shaped to look like a fisherman’s net being cast, the Yas Viceroy hotel sits in the heart of the action, as if suspended mid-animation at the edge of the track. Perched at the top of the hotel, Halcyon’s magnificent hospitality suite curls around the hotel. These are among the best seats in the house with peerless views of the action. Inside, guests can waft around and enjoy fine dining, good company, a well stocked complimentary bar and luxury facilities. But step outside onto the balcony and the wail of Formula One engines immediately rings in your ears as cars streak past on the track below. Peer over the edge and you have a bird’s eye view of the pit lanes and team garages below. And as part of one of these exclusive tickets, you and your guests can enjoy an organised walk of the pit lane or a specially arranged visit to a team garage. This is the ultimate in petrol head experiences. And the Abu Dhabi event is all the more exclusive as it’s one of just three in the Halcyon Calendar to collaborate with the Jenson Button Trust, meaning the driver himself makes an appearance and mingles with guests. This wasn’t the best racing weekend for the 2009 champion, but he took it with good grace and affably chatted Formula One with gathered guests. After dark, the Grand Prix does not rest. Spectacular concerts fromworld-renowned artists thump out over Yas Island. On the Friday night, it was the turn of Jay Z, one half of the world’s most stellar music couples. Since his 1996 debut he has released 12 successful albums and is now ranked as one of the best MCs in the world. Plainly dressed with the customary bling circling his neck,