Organisers gave a preview of what to expect from the three-day 2019 FIA World Rallycross Championship taking place in April

Yas Marina Circuit and partners unveiled a full weekend schedule, including the brand-new purpose-built track layout, some of the drivers and teams competing in the first round of this high-octane series

Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, UAE 3 March, 2019: Yas Marina Circuit has today revealed the incredible line up of motorsport and off-track entertainment that will take place at the FIA World Rallycross Championship on 4th-6th April.

Organisers and partners revealed details of what race goers can expect from the whole weekend when they purchase a ticket.

Yas Marina Circuit will be transformed into a three-day festival of on and off-track entertainment, with family-friendly activities, an Adrenaline Zone for thrill seekers, a Food Festival area with a variety of food and beverage options including food trucks, KartZone challenges, driver meet-and-greets and autograph sessions, live music and shows by local musicians and entertainers, plus the Friday after-race concert – exclusively for ticket holders only.

Fans can also take part in all-access public Pit Lane Walk and specially created Rallycross experiences.

With some of the best Rallycross drivers in the world competing against each other, fans can expect to be blown away by a thrilling demonstration of motorsport action on-track featuring powerful, highly modified and super sporty versions of regular production cars.

The Circuit has created a purpose-built, all-new track especially for the race and the 1.2-kilometre layout is composed of 63 per cent asphalt and 37 per cent gravel, ensuring plenty of thrills for spectators. 

Paul Bellamy, Senior Vice President of IMG Motorsports, the FIA World Rallycross Championship promoter, said: “We are delighted to be bring the FIA World Rallycross Championship to motorsport fans in the UAE for the very first time. I can think of no better venue to showcase our sport than the stunning Yas Marina Circuit.

“For those who have never experienced rallycross before, you are in for a treat. Rallycross is all about short, sharp, door-to-door racing and non-stop action between hugely talented drivers.

“Here at Yas Marina Circuit for the opening round of the 2019 championship next month, there will be a heady mix of world-class rallycross and music artists, a non-stop programme of racing and interactivity, along with fabulous food. This festival model mirrors our highly-successful SpeedMachine weekend we first introduced at Silverstone for the British round of the championship in 2018. Just like  Silverstone, we are sure this fusion of motorsport and entertainment at Yas Marina Circuit will be a must-visit event next month and in the years ahead.”

Al Tareq Al Ameri, CEO of Yas Marina Circuit, added: “Yas Marina Circuit is always innovating when it comes to hosting thrilling motorsport races that attract fans and entertainment seekers to Abu Dhabi and FIA WORLD RALLYCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP is the latest in our portfolio of world-class events.

“Our new track and weekend-long itinerary of some of the wildest racing the Middle East has ever seen promises to deliver something completely different to anything we have ever seen at the Circuit.

“With something for every member of the family, the weekend promises to be another must-do weekend packed with a host of on and off-track entertainment.” 

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Automobile and Touring Club for the UAE, vice president of the FIA, added: “The UAE has a long history of motorsport, and this new international event complements the existing local and regional season calendar.

“I have been a rally driver for 20 years so FIA World Rallycross is something special for me personally and I am very much looking forward to introducing the sport to a whole new audience. Abu Dhabi provides an excellent kick-start to the 2019 season and I look forward to April and the arrival of this exciting new discipline to the UAE.”

As part of the weekend-long festival for all members of the family, ticket holders can make the most out of their time on Yas Island by opting for the ever-popular X-Parks Pass when purchasing their tickets for the FIA WORLD RALLYCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP. The exclusive tickets provide access to Yas Marina Circuit as well as unlimited access to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Water World, or Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi from Thursday to Sunday.

Weekend tickets are priced from AED 395 for North Grandstand general admission, AED 595 for the North Club Lounge and AED 1,495 for Yas Central Hospitality.

Eng. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral, added: “The FIA World Rallycross Championship marks another great milestone for all of us, as it aligns with our vision to position Yas Island among the top global destinations for entertainment and leisure, attracting millions of visits year on year. 

“Together with our partners, we are delighted to host another world-class event alongside a wide variety of entertainment for visitors to enjoy; ranging from spending the day at one of our world-class theme parks, exploring the extensive shopping opportunities at Yas Mall, taking a walk down on Yas Beach and much more.”