No hiding place

11/11/2010

Mat Coch writes:

This weekend there is no hiding, there can be no excuses. By Sunday evening we will have a new, or potentially old, World Champion. This is a winner-takes-all grand final.

Some in the media centre are tipping Hamilton, suggesting that Alonso will blow an engine while the two Red Bull's will come to blows as they wage their own private battle for the title. If the pair decide to act like turkey's and Hamilton wins he could take the title by a single point. Again.

It reminds this journalist of the days of the Australian Grand Prix in Adelaide when the season used to go out on a high; the entire city got behind the event and threw an all mighty party. It lasted a week and by the time everyone packed up and went home they were looking forward to a lie down in a dark room somewhere.

Even before arriving in Abu Dhabi the event shared so many similarities. The plane was decked out in Abu Dhabi Grand Prix livery, while the inflight entertainment shouted the sport's praise from the rooftops. In the airport as one is greeted at immigration you're plied with all manner of booklets and flyers advertising the race. Abu Dhabi is a city in love with Formula One, and is clearly bending over backwards to make its race a success.

The facility is immense, there's no other word for it. The paddock a masterpiece while the towering grandstands make the pit straight look as though it's stolen the stadium from a football pitch somewhere.

Just how full it is come race day remains to be seen, though expert taxi drivers titter enthusiastically as they drive guests to their accommodation. While Abu Dhabi itself seems to be a continual construction site the Yas Island complex, and Yas Marina in particular, is set for an Adelaide style party.

The music doesn't start until tomorrow when the cars hit the track, though once it does the party will continue long into Sunday evening. For some it will be a celebration, for others commiseration, but for all it signals the end of one of the toughest years the sport has ever faced. Before we call last drinks however we've one last round to get in.

To check out our Yas Island video featuring Nico Hulkenberg and Sam Michael click here