ABU DHABI // Forty-four is a magic number. At least, it is for Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton, who is looking to secure his 44th F1 win at Sunday’s Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
A 44th win would be fitting for the British sportsman, whose Mercedes-GP has the number 44 on the front. It would also match up with celebrations for this year’s National Day – the 44th.
“I’m excited to be here in Abu Dhabi, with the 44th UAE National Day coming up and me being here to win that 44th race,” said Hamilton, who is gearing up for his third win at Yas Marina Circuit. “It’s cool how it all ties in.”
Hamilton comes to the UAE on the back of winning his third F1 championship. He has also won twice in Abu Dhabi, in 2011 and last year, when he clinched his second world title.
On Friday the driver will start his bid for victory when the cars take to the track for two 90-minute practice sessions.
While there was no track action on Thursday, that did not stop a large crowd of spectators from heading to the circuit to take part in the pre-race pit walk, during which they saw up close the cars that will compete in Sunday’s 55-lap race.
Close by, others headed to du Arena for the first of four nights of music to celebrate the racing event.
Emirati songstress Aryam, Lebanese singer Fares Karam and Cheb Khaled, the king of Algerian rai, entertained the crowds in an all-Arabic evening of entertainment.
The event, now in its third year, has firmly established itself as a crowd favourite because of its eclectic line-ups and the stars did not disappoint.
Al Ain singer Aryam made her comeback at last night’s concert following a break after releasing her album, Vitamin Al Gharam, in 2011.
With nine albums under her belt, the Emirati singer had lots of material to provide a well-rounded set of Khaleeji pop to begin the evening.
Backed by a large orchestra, her voice went down a treat in Tiz’al, breaking through the raucous musical backdrop of hand claps, yearning strings and staccato percussion.
Fan favourite Youm Shouft elicited the first mass dance of the night, courtesy of its catchy beat.
The concerts continue until Sunday with Spanish pop star Enrique Iglesias on stage on Friday night, UK art rockers Florence and The Machine on Saturday, and Britpop stalwarts Blur wrapping things up on the final evening.
gcaygill@thenational.ae
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