OK, we didn't have any involvement with the winners of this years F1 Championship, but what a fantastic week its been for Aston Workshop.
We were privileged to have a car on display at the hotel that forms the heart of the Yas Marina Circuit. We were there for the duration of the final week of the 2010 Formula 1 calendar, and what a week it was.
The event took on an extra significance this year with no less than four drivers in the running for the title, with Sebastian Vettel taking the Championship in the end of course. So double honours for Red Bull this year and a worthy Champion in Vettel.
The atmosphere was electric for the whole week and we got off to a flying start when we attended a dinner at the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi held to celebrate the achievements of UK companies involved in Formula 1. The guest speaker was Sir Jackie Stewart, and he gave a very interesting personal insight into the sport in general with an emphasis on the improvements that have been made in safety over the decades of his involvement, a subject very close to his heart. Many thanks to UK Trade & Investment and the Embassy for their kind invitation.
We then turned our attention to the venue that would be at the centre of our visit, The Yas Hotel. This must be one of the most spectacular hotels anywhere in the world. Where else can you sip Champagne in a bar that forms a bridge over the circuit? Stunning!
Every aspect of this hotel has been developed to impress, and every corner offers another Wow Factor, but the most spectacular aspect of the hotel must be the incredible Skylight Lounge. This beautiful open space on the very top floor of the hotel features cool music and fantastic views of the circuit and marina, the ultimate chill-out spot.
The hotel had kindly allowed us to display an Aston Martin Vanquish S belonging to one of our most cherished customers, Ron Powell, himself a resident of Abu Dhabi, and we really cant thank Ron enough for his support during this trip and our previous adventure in April. The car looked awesome, especially at night when it was floodlit by the hotel lighting and it drew many admirers.
We are equally indebted to Stephen Banks from the Aldar (the development company responsible for creating the Yas Marina Circuit), and UK Trade & Investment, without whom none of this would have been possible.
We would also like to thank the other members of "The Team" for their help and support throughout the week; James Rafferty (Volvo Cars Dubai), Peter Simpson (Just Detail It - UK) & Peter Thompson (Volvo Trucks Europe). Thanks guys!
Overall it was a very memorable week, including only the second rainfall in the last 12 months, which must be attributable to our presence surely?
We made quite a few interesting contacts during our visit and hope to establish a more permanent presence in the region in the near future.
Anyone wishing to discuss any aspect of our visit to the region or the prospect of working with Aston Workshop in the UAE should contact our General Manger, Clive Dickinson on 01207 233 525
For Aston Martin sales please contact Brian Spearman or Paul Inness on the same number.
