With more than 93 per cent of tickets to the 2012 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix sold, and fewer than 3,000 tickets remaining for purchase, Yas Marina Circuit is urging fans to purchase tickets now.

With a fourth consecutive sell-out expected, Richard Cregan, the chief executive officer of Yas Marina Circuit, said the event is nearing sell-out status thanks to a surge in international visitors and an exciting F1 season.

“The 2012 season is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling seasons to date and it’s clear through ticket sales that fans, both here and abroad, are excited. As we approach our fourth year of hosting the Grand Prix, fans everywhere know the quality of the event, our exciting off-track entertainment line-up and the appeal of Abu Dhabi as a world-class host city,” he noted.

“Given the current standings, Abu Dhabi will be a significant race in determining who will be crowned the 2012 champion,” added Cregan.

According to the circuit, 2012 international ticket sales are expected to grow 14 percentage points from 21 per cent of overall sales in 2011, to 35 per cent of overall sales this year. Key international growth markets for 2012 include Australia, UK, Europe and the US.

Nick McElwee, the sales and marketing director of Yas Marina Circuit said, “Thanks to new ticketing options this year, as well as a strong partnership with Etihad Airways and support from the Abu Dhabi Authority for Tourism and Culture, we’re set to welcome over 15,000 international fans."

"Excitement continues to mount at the Circuit and with such a small quantity of tickets left, we can’t stress how important it is for fans to buy now," he added.
 
At a local level, the announcement of Kylie Minogue, Nickelback and Eminem as the headline acts of the After-Race Concerts has also boosted local and regional sales.

The concerts are a key highlight of the F1 weekend’s off-track entertainment programme, and are highly anticipated by F1 and music fans alike. Access to the concerts is exclusive to F1 ticket holders and this has put extra pressure on ticket purchase this year.

Priced at Dh1,875 ($510) for two days and Dh2,080 for three days, Grandstand tickets are still available in the following areas:
South Grandstand: Encompassing a spectacular backdrop of the marina and YasViceroy Hotel, and uncompromised views over several of the circuits challenging turns and corners.

Marina Grandstand: Situated in close viewing proximity of the support race Pit Lane, the Marina Grandstand provides continuous views of the drivers racing around the south section of the circuit, including the famous pass under YasViceroy Hotel.-TradeArabia News Service