GCC citizens and residents will receive a 20 per cent discount on early bird tickets when tickets for the 2012 Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix goes on sale today.

An estimated 50,000 spectators are expected to attend the Yas Marina Circuit event which is set to take place from November 2 to 4, said a statement.

This year will feature a significantly expanded programme of on-and-off track activities dovetailing a raft of city-wide entertainment, the statement said.

“We work very hard to raise the bar every year,” said Richard Cregan, chief executive officer, Yas Marina Circuit. “For 2012, we are offering new ticketing and entertainment options that allow spectators to customise their weekend experience based on their needs and interests.”

Race-goers are being offered a variety of seating and hospitality upgrades available for the first time, allowing them to tailor-make their race weekend experience – including Marina Club and South Club upgrades.

On the corporate sales front, Yas Viceroy Hotel Private Suites & Terrace Tickets and Marina Grandstand Boxes are available again.

In addition to a new ticket structure released today, Yas Marina Circuit, the Grand Prix organiser, has teamed up with Etihad Airways, to deliver a series of all-inclusive flight, hotel and race weekend packages.

F1 ticket holders will also be able to enjoy a wider entertainment programme in the Oasis areas behind the grandstands, while the Yasalam after-race concerts of world class acts will once again draw spectators to the neighbouring Yas Arena after the on-track action.

Previous Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekends have seen world-class acts such as Sir Paul McCartney, Beyoncé, Kings of Leon, Aerosmith, Britney Spears and Linkin Park perform to crowds in excess of 30,000 per night.

In another first for 2012, the popular Australian V8 Supercars series will be the official F1 support race. Fans of this bumper-to-bumper series can buy select seating packages granting exclusive weekend access to the V8 Supercar pits and drivers. Marina grandstand boxes also provide access to the pits and drivers.

Tickets are now available through a wide range of outlets, including selected Etihad Airways shops, Virgin Megastores across the UAE and GCC, the Yas Hotel and Yas Marina Circuit. – TradeArabia News Service