Preparations for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix stepped up a notch Wednesday as circuit staff began preparing for the arrival of the world's media.
The final leg of the Formula 1 season is one of the biggest events on the UAE sporting calendar, and, even if the winner has already found himself out of reach of the competing pack, there is still intense, global interest.
The cavernous media centre at Yas Marina Circuit, situated next to the luxurious villas the drivers and teams will occupy up to Sunday's race, was being prepped by a team of support staff. Early arrivals filtered in, avoiding the army of forklift trucks that continued to ship car components in and out of the pit lane.
Members of the world's media unloaded their laptops, cameras and associated paraphernalia, and settled in to file stories for the day. The size of the press pack reflects F1's appeal across the globe, a fact not lost on those whose job it is to ensure Sunday's race goes off without a hitch.
Outside the circuit, concession stands were being loaded with merchandise.
Traffic through the Yas Island tunnel started to build up early on in the day, and police vehicles, lights flashing, stepped in to ensure everything was running smoothly.
While the world waits for the likes of six-time champion Lewis Hamilton and the rest of the grid to perform media duties on Thursday, the team's technicians were far enough advanced in their tasks that vehicles, though unfinished, were recognisable as the F1 cars set to tear up the circuit later this week. The atmosphere was noticeably more tense than Tuesday, as the business of racing nears.
Yas Marina Circuit's chief executive, Al Tareq Al Ameri, is happy with the way things have been progressing so far. It's all been about guaranteeing the fans in the grandstands and everyone watching at home "the very best F1 experience".
"The build up to the 2019 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has been an incredibly busy time for everyone, as we worked hard to make sure the circuit is looking great and everything is working perfectly," Al Ameri said.
This year's 11th staging of the capital's grand prix is expected to attract 70,000 racegoers to celebrate the five-day Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix Festival, starting Thursday, to coincide with UAE National Day celebrations.
Al Ameri said he and his staff seek to learn lessons with each passing year on how to better enhance fan experience.
"Over the years, our highly dedicated and talented teams have perfected our operations thanks to many hours of painstaking planning, boundless enthusiasm and total commitment," the Emirati said.
"And now it's time for that work to pay off as we approach five great days of entertainment, on and off the track.
"We're looking forward to the gates opening tomorrow, and for the race festival to come to life as our fans from around the world join us at the circuit.
"The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2019 promises to be a fantastic spectacle for all involved."
Sunday's chequered flag is likely to be bring down the curtain on several F1 careers. For Williams' Robert Kubica and Renault's Nico Hulkenberg, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix could be their swansong from F1, with neither driver lined up for a seat next year.
Meanwhile, Red Bull's junior team, Toro Rosso, will be rebranded as Alpha Tauri for the 2020 season.
