Tickets for the 2010 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix have sold out three days before the race weekend begins.

With all seats sold, the final race of the F1 season will take place in front of a capacity crowd.

“We are delighted to have sold out all our tickets for the second year running,” said Richard Cregan, chief executive officer of Yas Marina Circuit.

“It’s unprecedented to have four drivers in contention for the driver’s title in the final race. I think it is a very fitting end to what has been an amazing F1 season. We are very proud here in Abu Dhabi to be staging the race and to know that we will see the crowning of the 2010 World Champion.”

“One factor helping ticket sales this year was charging one flat price for all grandstand seats, regardless of where they are,” Cregan added.

“Another was expanding our Oasis areas so we could provide a wider variety of entertainment and leisure activities, including our new Kartzone which will open for the race weekend.”

Tickets for the 2010 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix went on sale on May 16 and 50 per cent were sold within one month. The prestigious Paddock Club tickets, offering a full VIP race experience, sold out almost immediately and attracted a long waiting list.

Grand Prix title sponsor Etihad Airways reports that all its flights into Abu Dhabi are also very heavily booked, with aircraft from some cities already full.

“We’re looking forward to serving the many thousands of International visitors who start arriving this week for the second Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix,” said James Hogan, chief executive officer.

Among the visitors to the iconic trackside Yas Hotel will be six lucky Golden Ticket winners and their partners, who won “the prize that money can’t buy” when tickets first went on sale. In addition to three nights at the Yas Hotel, they will be enjoying the race from the Paddock Club, having breakfast with an F1 driver, watching race practice from the team garages and receiving other privileges.

“The scene is set for a thrilling race weekend for all the family,” said Cregan.

“In addition to the track action, visitors can look forward to the after-show concerts and an even broader range of entertainment than last year. There will be live music, DJs, BMX bikers, acrobatic basketball, breakdancing, skateboarding, a solar artist and much more. We are in for a fabulous festival of motorsport.”

People without tickets will be able take advantage of the many public events and the free live broadcast of the race weekend on the Abu Dhabi Corniche.-TradeArabia News Service