I've been at the track for 24 hours now. It really is quite amazing -
the architecture of the Yas Hotel, the proximity of the marina to the
paddock, the team hospitality suites, the media centre with its
cinema-sized screens, and not least the circuit itself with its
turquoise high-abrasion run-off strips. This is what I've seen so far,
at least. I've yet to go in the VIP tower - I'm sure it's superb.
I'm staying a five minute walk away at the Crowne Plaza. I'm pretty sure I'm the first person to sleep in my room - it is brand new. I have a balcony overlooking the pool, it's all very nice, and only $150 per night thanks to the subsidized rate they're offering to media. That sort of thing is very welcome, and after all we are here to, in part, promote the race and in turn the country. It makes it slightly hard to understand, therefore, why we have to pay for internet, food and drinks in the media centre. Would it make a difference to the bottom line to offer it for free (when they've spent $400m on the circuit)? Singapore manage it.
They did put on a cocktail reception last night though in the paddock which a couple of hundred people attended. I went on my canapes challenge, and filled up to almost Monaco standards.
There are a bunch of concerts this weekend to support the race, and the line up is impressive. Beyonce performed last night and, though she's staying in Dubai, her backing singers and dancers joined us at the pool bar at the Radisson last night, which is right next door to my hotel.
So far, thanks to all the hotels here on the island, I haven't felt the need to venture over to the mainland. But if I wanted to, or rather when I want to, I might find it difficult as there are no taxis allowed on Yas Island. How stupid is that? If I want to go anywhere I have to take a hotel limo, and they aren't subsidized. They are £60.
When we were walking back from the circuit last night, past the Yas Hotel, we spotted the silhouette of Jay Kay, in his hat, dancing around his suite. Jamiroquai are performing tonight, though I think I'll miss it as I'm off to cover a 'dune bashing' story for Metro. I'll be out four-wheel-driving and smoking shisha at the same time!
On Saturday, though, we have the Kings of Leon (Jenson Button's favourite band) and on Sunday Aerosmith. Should be good!
I'm staying a five minute walk away at the Crowne Plaza. I'm pretty sure I'm the first person to sleep in my room - it is brand new. I have a balcony overlooking the pool, it's all very nice, and only $150 per night thanks to the subsidized rate they're offering to media. That sort of thing is very welcome, and after all we are here to, in part, promote the race and in turn the country. It makes it slightly hard to understand, therefore, why we have to pay for internet, food and drinks in the media centre. Would it make a difference to the bottom line to offer it for free (when they've spent $400m on the circuit)? Singapore manage it.
They did put on a cocktail reception last night though in the paddock which a couple of hundred people attended. I went on my canapes challenge, and filled up to almost Monaco standards.
There are a bunch of concerts this weekend to support the race, and the line up is impressive. Beyonce performed last night and, though she's staying in Dubai, her backing singers and dancers joined us at the pool bar at the Radisson last night, which is right next door to my hotel.
So far, thanks to all the hotels here on the island, I haven't felt the need to venture over to the mainland. But if I wanted to, or rather when I want to, I might find it difficult as there are no taxis allowed on Yas Island. How stupid is that? If I want to go anywhere I have to take a hotel limo, and they aren't subsidized. They are £60.
When we were walking back from the circuit last night, past the Yas Hotel, we spotted the silhouette of Jay Kay, in his hat, dancing around his suite. Jamiroquai are performing tonight, though I think I'll miss it as I'm off to cover a 'dune bashing' story for Metro. I'll be out four-wheel-driving and smoking shisha at the same time!
On Saturday, though, we have the Kings of Leon (Jenson Button's favourite band) and on Sunday Aerosmith. Should be good!