Etihad Arena transforms into dirt track ahead of World Supercross Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

01.11.2023 - 08:01 arabnews.com

ABU DHABI: As the world’s best riders descend on Yas Island for the FIM World Supercross Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this Saturday, Nov.

4, Etihad Arena is getting a dirt-track makeover for the first time. Almost 7,000 tons of dirt, which has been sourced in the UAE, will be trucked into the Middle East’s largest indoor entertainment venue via 400 truckloads for a night of adrenaline and thrills.

The WSX’s tracks are designed to deliver high-quality racing, which includes heavy bikes, high speeds, big jumps, and tight turns.

Salem Al-Sulaimani, event operations director at organizers Ethara, said: “The transformation of Etihad Arena into a supercross track for the first time ever will not only showcase the versatility of the world-class venue, but also provide an unforgettable experience for fans and riders alike. “The success of an event like this, where we are completely transforming a venue, relies on flawless event operations, with every detail from track construction to logistics being carefully orchestrated in collaboration between our local team at Ethara and the track design team at World Supercross from start to finish.

ABU DHABI F1 Formula One DiRT Max Verstappen Formula E Usa Australia China Uae India

LAS VEGAS: World champion Max Verstappen claimed the 18th win of his record-breaking season, overcoming a five-second penalty to power to victory in a thrilling Las Vegas Grand Prix on Saturday. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc overtook Red Bull’s Sergio Perez on the last lap to grab second place ahead of the Mexican with French driver Esteban Ocon of Alpine finishing fourth at the end of a race which saw multiple lead changes and plenty of overtaking. Verstappen had been highly critical of the return of Formula One to Vegas after a 41-year absence, saying the event was “99 percent show,” but as he drove past the finish line he celebrated with a chorus of ‘Viva Las Vegas’ on the team radio. “He loves a race like that. Even though he was on the end of a penalty.

Ferrari’s Leclerc takes pole position for Las Vegas Grand Prix

LAS VEGAS: Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc will start from pole position in Saturday’s Las Vegas Grand Prix after posting the fastest time in Friday qualifying. Leclerc finished ahead of team-mate Carlos Sainz but with the Spaniard having a ten-place grid penalty imposed after Thursday’s practice, world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull will start second. Mercedes’ George Russell will be in third place on the grid alongside Alpine’s French driver Pierre Gasly. It was a positive session for Williams who will have Alex Albon starting fifth on the grid alongside team-mate Logan Sargeant, the American who is hoping a strong result on a home circuit will boost his chance of keeping his place for next season. Sargeant’s finish was his best result in qualifying in his rookie season. There was little to choose between the two Ferrari drivers with Leclerc, who topped all three segments, posting a fastest lap of 1:32.726 and Sainz just 0.044 off the pace. Three-time world champion Verstappen pulled out of his final lap but will back himself to once again overcome Leclerc on race-day. The Dutchman has won 17 races in a record-breaking season as he clinched his third straight championship. “It was enjoyable out there. I think we maximized today.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc Takes Pole Position For Las Vegas Grand Prix

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc will start from pole position in Saturday's Las Vegas Grand Prix after posting the fastest time in Friday qualifying. Leclerc finished ahead of team-mate Carlos Sainz but with the Spaniard having a ten-place grid penalty imposed after Thursday's practice, world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull will start second. Mercedes' George Russell will be in third place on the grid alongside Alpine's French driver Pierre Gasly.

George Russell fastest in final Las Vegas Grand Prix practice

LAS VEGAS: George Russell topped the timesheet for Mercedes in the third and final practice at the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix on Friday (Nov 17) as excitement builds amid F1's return to Sin City after nearly 40 years.