Speedy start to Grand Prix ticket sales

ABU DHABI // Nearly half of the 42,500 seats for November's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix were sold in one hour when they went on sale to motor racing fans around the world yesterday. A representative at the 800-YAS ticket line said 40 per cent of the tickets were sold in the online rush. General admission tickets for the West Grandstand at the Yas Marina Circuit were sold out and there were just a handful left for the Main Grandstand. Three-day tickets cost Dh1,600 (US$430) each, a 20 per cent discount for an unspecified period of time.

On Sunday, fans in the UAE bought about 5,000 tickets when residents had first chance to buy them. "We're very pleased with the demand," said Richard Cregan, the circuit's chief executive. [e-mail]