Abu Dhabi Grand Prix festivites from Thursday – in pictures

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  Spectators walk on the starting grid and pit lane on Thursday ahead of Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Christopher Pike / The National

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  Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel, bottom left, smiles during Thursday's press conference ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, while Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso, bottom right, Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, back left, Force India driver Nico Hulkenberg, centre and Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg look on. Christopher Pike / The National

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  Ferrari driver Alonso Fernando speaks to journalists on Thursday at Yas Marina Circuit ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Christopher Pike / The National

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  Members of the media attend the drivers' news conference on Thursday ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Christopher Pike / The National

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  Members of the media attend the drivers' news conference on Thursday ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday. Christopher Pike / The National

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  Spectators walk on the starting grid and pit lane on Thursday ahead of Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Christopher Pike / The National

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  Spectators walk on the starting grid and pit lane ahead during an open period on Thursday at Yas Marina Circuit ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday. Christopher Pike / The National

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  Fans take a photo at the starting grid on Thursday at Yas Marina Circuit ahead of Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Christopher Pike / The National

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  Members of the Ferrari crew walk through pit lane on Thursday ahead of Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Christopher Pike / The National

Formula One drivers met with media on Thursday while spectators walked the Yas Island Marina circuit as the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix festivites started off in grand fashion.

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