Roar of F1 cars music to the ears for Yas Island neighbours

ABU DHABI // For Lee Aspin, a Briton living just kilometres from Yas Marina Circuit, the roar of the racing cars in the afternoon will be anything but a nuisance this weekend.

"The noise generated from Formula One is fun and more of a treat of humming music to my ears," said Mr Aspin, who lives at Al Muneera Island, part of the new Al Raha Beach development.

"I don't shut the doors of my apartment tightly to avoid the sound of these racing cars. I keep them open and enjoy it. But unfortunately I am not going to watch it at the Circuit because tickets are very expensive."

Residents of Al Raha community had a perfect blend of sun, sand and sweet music travelling to them from Yas Island, where the F1 drivers were practising ahead of race day on Sunday.

Even the loud practice runs could not drown out the beat of the drums from the circuit's sound system, and the mixed background music added a touch of excitement to those who were soaking under the sun at Al Raha Beach.

Chris Abbett, who just moved to Al Raha seven months ago and was lounging in the sun with his friends, said the sound wafting on the breeze was a constant reminder of what is to come.

"If there is such a lovely noise, I welcome it," Mr Abbett said, while lounging on the beach with friends yesterday.

"I love the F1 race, and I am going to watch it on Sunday."

AT, a resident of Al Zeina, said he did not mind the sound of the F1 festivities just across the water.

"It's only for a week and creating no problem at all," he said.