Abu Dhabi can hold a lesson for old guard

Matt Slater

• Last Updated: October 24. 2009 10:59AM UAE / October 24. 2009 6:59AM GMT

Bernie Ecclestone, the Formula One boss, is convinced the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will teach Formula One’s “old school” a lesson with the city pulling out all the stops to stage a real spectacle.

Mr Ecclestone, who has steered F1 for the past three decades, admits being as excited about the UAE’s debut event as any fan and is impressed by the lengths to which the organisers have gone to ensure it is a success.

“All eyes will be on Abu Dhabi on November 1 and it will help take our sport into new territory,” he said.

“But what I am most happy about is the sheer enthusiasm the organisers have – they are stopping at nothing to make this spectacular.”

He said Europe could learn a lesson from the amount of effort Abu Dhabi has put into hosting its inaugural Grand Prix.

“Abu Dhabi will have some great concerts and many other things geared to getting the public involved. That just does not happen in Europe as much as it should.”

When the idea of Abu Dhabi holding a day-night race was first discussed, Mr Ecclestone said he had no doubt the event – the first Grand Prix to run from daylight to darkness – would work.

“I immediately thought it was something we should do.”

He admitted that five years ago, he had not heard of Abu Dhabi and that the city probably did not know much about Formula One.

“As with all of these things it begins with an introduction. I met the Abu Dhabi people and it was clear from early on these were serious individuals.

“They were serious about F1 and they were serious about getting Abu Dhabi known around the world. From there it just went so smoothly. Now we are close to the race and I just cannot wait to see how it all looks.”

Beyond the Grand Prix, he sees a big future for motor racing in the UAE: “We have started a long relationship with Abu Dhabi and we are just at the start but they are determined to not only hold the race but develop motorsport in the country.”

At 78, Mr Ecclestone, the chief executive of Formula One Management, the private-equity company that owns the F1 commercial rights, has been at the heart of the sport, managing drivers and owning teams.

Along with the thousands of fans who will pack out the five grandstands at the Yas Marina Circuit, his mind is firmly on race day.

“When the race starts on the Sunday we will all be able to take great satisfaction in the fact that it has actually happened. And if the race is thrilling then that will be the icing on the cake.”

mslater@thenational.ae



Read the full interview with Bernie Ecclestone in the 44-page magazine guide to Formula One and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix free in The National tomorrow.