Zerotwonine

029’s Commander-in-Chief headed down to Abu Dhabi aboard Etihad Airways for the 2010 Formula Grand Prix held at the Yas Marina circuit. With a group of Formula 1 fanatics in tow, 029 organised an action-pack week where the action was not only centred on the racing circuit.

The group stayed at the superbly chic Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, situated on a stretch of private beach with sublime views of Sheikh Zayed Mosque.

The following day, it was time to put the race cars to shame at Ferrari World. Oh yes, the Formula Rossa rollercoaster ladies and gentlemen takes the term “thrill ride” to a cataclysmic level. Imagine sitting in what looks like a race car (wearing protective eye glasses, no less!) knowing full well that your body will be catapulted to a speed of 240 kph (150 mph) all in the matter of 4.9 seconds. Your cheeks are flapping in the desert wind, you try to scream but the G-force won’t allow it, you reach the top of the first ascent convinced you’re going to be launched into oblivion only to drop 52 metres (160 feet) back towards Earth to continue on with the ride. And that’s just the first few seconds.

You disembark from Formula Rossa, body shaking, happy to be alive and race back in line to experience the unparalleled adrenalin rush all over again.

The next day it was a bit more low key, but there was some rugged adventure to be had by all. The Hatta Rock Pools nestled in the Hajar Mountains near Dubai is a series of miniature canyons peppered with rock pools and waterfalls. Besides the mountain scenery, they provided much needed cooling off from the scorching Emirati sun. After cooling off in the Hatta Pools, it was time to hop on some 4×4 and hit the “Big Red,” a massive 300ft sand dune which is named for its reddish tinted sand (it comes from its high iron oxide levels if you’re wondering). They bashed some dunes, met some camels and had a traditional Bedouin style BBQ under the stars.

The day had arrived; it was time to see who would win at the Yas Marina circuit. The group got into their chauffeured Audi A8s and headed to the Renault Team’s Paddock Club.

Renault driver Robert Kubica stopped by for an interview and autograph signing and the group was also treated to a pit lane walkabout to get an up-close view of the drivers’ domains.

From their privileged viewing point, the group was afforded a front seat to the ultimate in nationalistic pride – seeing fellow German Sebastian Vettel cross the finish first for Red Bull.

After the daytime excitement, it was on to the evening entertainment. The Amber Lounge provided one brilliant end of the season F1 party and the ideal location to celebrate Vettel’s win.