Abu Dhabi Grand Prix organisers are expecting a dramatic Formula One finale on Sunday – whether or not seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton makes the starting grid.
The Briton tested positive for Covid-19 last week, and is undergoing quarantine in Bahrain after missing Sunday's Sakhir Grand Prix.
It will be touch and go whether Hamilton will recover in time but Saif Al Noaimi, acting chief executive officer of Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management, believes there is so much to race for at Yas that the thrills are virtually guaranteed.
“It has been a very exciting season and we are very much looking forward for that action in Abu Dhabi as well,” Al Noaimi said. “We know there are quite a few battles still on the plate."
The fight for second position in the driver’s championship is ongoing between Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas (205 points) and Red Bull's Max Verstappen (189). Also open is third spot in the constructor’s championship, resting between Racing Point, McLaren and Renault.
“There is quite a lot of excitement to see the outcome of these challenges play out,” added Al Noaimi.
“There have been five different drivers on the podium across the 16 races in the 2020 calendar and it’s been an interesting season.
“Four different teams with five different drivers have won so far. So there has been a level of excitement and uncertainty going into each Grand Prix. It is a result of a lot of midfield teams going up the ranks and challenging for the win.”
Al Noaimi is waiting for further updates on the world champion, adding: “We are hopeful he’ll make a full recovery and be able to join us in Abu Dhabi.
“Obviously everybody here loves to watch Hamilton race. However, first we want to wish him well and wish him a speedy recovery.
“There is a specific protocol by the FIA which determines if a driver is fit to travel to the following event. That hasn’t been still confirmed. We are waiting for a decision on his situation.
“On the other hand, in the event he’s unable to attend that obviously opens up the competition and the number of points on the table for everybody else."
While the race will be held without spectators, the organisers will have a limited number of seats made available for the frontline heroes.
“We are extremely excited to welcome our frontline heroes in a limited capacity [200 each across the three days],” Al Noaimi said.
“It is truly a pleasure for us to be able to host them and organise an event in a safe manner to honour them and give them an opportunity to be able to see the action."
The focus this year has been health and safety, and looking after all those involved in the event from the teams to drivers, officials to FIA management.
“We are fortunate in Abu Dhabi to have a very good response to the pandemic and we are fortunate we have the ability to host such events,” said Al Noaimi.
“We have seen the likes of the Indian Premier League and the UFC Fight Island events delivered in Abu Dhabi in a safe manner.
“It was important for us to ensure the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix still took place as the season finale that everybody has become accustomed to and delivered in a safe manner."
Results
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 80,000 (Turf) 1,400m. Winner: Al Ajeeb W’Rsan, Pat Dobbs (jockey), Jaci Wickham (trainer).
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 80,000 (T) 1,400m racing. Winner: Mujeeb, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel.
6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 90,000 (T) 2,200m. Winner: Onward, Connor Beasley, Abdallah Al Hammadi.
6.30pm: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown Prep Rated Conditions (PA) Dh 125,000 (T) 2,200m. Winner: Somoud, Richard Mullen, Jean de Roualle.
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000 (T) 1,600m. Winner: AF Arrab, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel.
7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 90,000 (T) 1,400m. Winner: Irish Freedom, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
A new relationship with the old country
Treaty of Friendship between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates
The United kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates; Considering that the United Arab Emirates has assumed full responsibility as a sovereign and independent State; Determined that the long-standing and traditional relations of close friendship and cooperation between their peoples shall continue; Desiring to give expression to this intention in the form of a Treaty Friendship; Have agreed as follows:
ARTICLE 1 The relations between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates shall be governed by a spirit of close friendship. In recognition of this, the Contracting Parties, conscious of their common interest in the peace and stability of the region, shall: (a) consult together on matters of mutual concern in time of need; (b) settle all their disputes by peaceful means in conformity with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations.
ARTICLE 2 The Contracting Parties shall encourage education, scientific and cultural cooperation between the two States in accordance with arrangements to be agreed. Such arrangements shall cover among other things: (a) the promotion of mutual understanding of their respective cultures, civilisations and languages, the promotion of contacts among professional bodies, universities and cultural institutions; (c) the encouragement of technical, scientific and cultural exchanges.
ARTICLE 3 The Contracting Parties shall maintain the close relationship already existing between them in the field of trade and commerce. Representatives of the Contracting Parties shall meet from time to time to consider means by which such relations can be further developed and strengthened, including the possibility of concluding treaties or agreements on matters of mutual concern.
ARTICLE 4 This Treaty shall enter into force on today’s date and shall remain in force for a period of ten years. Unless twelve months before the expiry of the said period of ten years either Contracting Party shall have given notice to the other of its intention to terminate the Treaty, this Treaty shall remain in force thereafter until the expiry of twelve months from the date on which notice of such intention is given.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned have signed this Treaty.
DONE in duplicate at Dubai the second day of December 1971AD, corresponding to the fifteenth day of Shawwal 1391H, in the English and Arabic languages, both texts being equally authoritative.
Signed
Geoffrey Arthur Sheikh Zayed
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UAE squad
Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
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