This year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is rather special for Al Tareq Al Ameri.
– F1 season finale a 60,000-ticket sell out for Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
– Yas calendar designed to help Emiratis reach the top of motorsport
Having taken up his new role as the CEO of Yas Marina Circuit earlier this year, Al Ameri’s main task is to ensure the weekend’s events run as smoothly as possibly for everyone who enters the circuit.
It’s a big job that has seen months of preparations for the three-day event.
This year is a sellout – even with an increase in capacity, which has seen the Abu Dhabi Hill accommodate 3,000 extra spectators.
Acknowledging that all eyes will be on the Yas Marina Circuit, Al Ameri, who was the head of the commercial division for the 2013 race, couldn’t describe the emotions he was going through.
“There is a sense of excitement, anxiety and a little bit nervous although I’m fully confident in my team who will be delivering this race and fully confident it will be a major success,” said Al Ameri after appearing as a guest speaker at the Embracing Sports in the UAE: Building Domestically, Expanding Globally at the New York University, Abu Dhabi.
“This is the first Grand Prix as the CEO so I’ve been more involved in this year’s race and the full operation, so it means a lot to me.”
His predecessor Richard Cregan had raised the bar high since it was introduced to the F1 calendar in 2009.
And Al Ameri is very confident that the Grand Prix will live up to its billing, stating that the organisation plans were well-received by F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone.
“Bernie Ecclestone has so far been happy with all the arrangements,” said Al Ameri.
“I don’t think he will recommend any changes and I really think we will nail it.
“Everything is in motion, everything is in place and my staff is ready for the big race.
“It’s not just big for the Yas Marina Circuit, but for the whole of Abu Dhabi in coming together to deliver something as big as this and everyone is on board and excited about it.”
He added: “The people who come to the circuit will know what they will expect.
"With high expectations, we always try to refine the delivery of our event and the offerings.
“Everything that we do is for the fans and they should expect to see an amazing race and get ready for an amazing experience.
“There have not been major changes and we will be sticking to our successful formula and keeping it exciting for the fans.”
Tomorrow’s event will see the conclusion of a thrilling championship title race as one of the Mercedes team-mates Lewis Hamilton or Nico Rosberg will be crowned world champion.
The double points system is designed to keep the title race going into the last round, and Al Ameri expressed his support to the initiative.
He said: “I know the double points system created a lot of controversy from some people but it has delivered what it was supposed to do in keeping the championship race going until the last race of the season and keep the fans excited and guessing.”
While he refused to be drawn into the title race, he promised there will be some “exciting” celebrations after the race.
“I don’t want to spoil anything but we have made some exciting arrangements; but I don’t want to say anything at this time,” he said.
“The Yas Marina Circuit staff will be rooting for every driver to try their best and we wish them all the best.
"We cannot takes sides for any specific team.”