With Best F1® Entertainment Line up Ever Confirmed, Award-Winning After-Race Artists Reveal their Motorsport Passion

The biggest and best concert line-up in the history of F1® after-race entertainment at Yas Marina Circuit has been confirmed.

And now the artists themselves – who between them boast a remarkable 18 Grammy Awards - are speaking of their motor-racing passion ahead of the 2016 FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX on November 24-27.

Last week’s announcement that the American hip hop artist Pitbull will perform the Yasalam Thursday night After-Race Concert completed the full artist billing for the After-Race Concerts at the du Arena, Yas Island.

With Pitbull (#PitbullAtF1) kicking off the show on Thursday 24th November, the legendary duo The Chemical Brothers(#ChemBrosAtF1) will perform on Friday 25th November, followed by music icon Lionel Richie (#LionelRichieAtF1) on Saturday 26thNovember and global superstar Rihanna(#RihannaAtF1) bringing the curtain down in style on Sunday 27th November.
Four-time Grammy Award winner Lionel Richie has spoken of his admiration of F1® drivers’ calmness at speeds over 300kh, while electronic music pioneers The Chemical Brothers have revealed how they inherited motorsport passion from their fathers.

“What is really fascinating is the technology that’s in these cars, the speed, and how they seem to be calm about it, said Lionel Richie. “If I was going 200 miles an hour, I’d be a nervous wreck. Abu Dhabi – the track and the whole facility – is just magical and it’s the place to be.  Beautiful people, the music is right, the people are right, the cars are right. It’s perfect.”

Tom Rowlands, who co-founded The Chemical Brothers with Ed Simons in Manchester in 1989, said: “My dad was really into F1® and I used to watch it with him when I was younger. I’m supporting Lewis! I definitely think he’s the best driver in the pack.”

Ed Simons, a childhood classmate of Tom, added: “It’s a sport that my dad is into and something that I follow to keep up with him. He used to race cars in the 60s and I always get his perspective on it.”
While the title-deciding action of the 2016 FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX and the four A-List After-Race Concerts will grab the headlines, Yas Marina Circuit will also be offering plenty of entertainment and activities for the whole family throughout its four Oasis areas.

At the Main Oasis, fans will be able to get up close and personal with their favourite drivers at daily autograph sessions starting Thursday 24th November. Other highlights include gravity-defying aerial acrobatics shows, the spinning and rotating “Free Ladder Man”, as well as bubble shows, balloon benders, Arabic calligraphy, Yolla Dancers, Arabic henna, and much more.

Simulators will let visitors feel what it’s like to be a F1® driver using the same technology adopted by F1® teams for training. There’s also the chance to be pampered at complimentary Ladies' Spa, where visitors can get free hair styling, nail art, mini-manicures and neck and shoulder massages. New for this year is the Gents' Barber Station, where complimentary haircuts and beard trimming will be available.
The West Oasis kicks off on Friday 25th November with Alice Capitani’s stunning ‘Handbalance on Canes’ show. Throughout race weekend, the West Oasis will feature musical performances from the likes of Adam Rennie, Adam Baluch, Naz & The Band, and many more. Race goers can also chill out in the Palm Garden, while the Hammock Houses provide a place to relax amongst the hustle and bustle of the track activity.

The South Oasis area will be filled with fun, colourful seating areas, and a chance to play interactive games and enjoy tunes from some of the region’s best DJs playing everything from 80s Rock to Motown to British Indie classics.

The North Oasis area is the place to find all things Abu Dhabi – past, present and future – in the Heritage Village, where visitors can discover the local culture, as well as food, entertainment and art.
Al Tareq Al Ameri, CEO of Yas Marina Circuit, said: “One of the things that makes Grand Prix weekend at Yas Marina Circuit stand out is the wide array of entertainment and activities in our Oasis areas. We aim to cater to as many different tastes and interests as possible – from the passionate motorsport fan to families with children, to those wanting to enjoy a full day of varied entertainment”.






For more information on tickets to the 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, please visit www.yasmarinacircuit.com