The F1 novice

It was the Lobo's first experience of live racing.

ABU DHABI // For some, the attraction of the race was the supercharged cars and for others, it was the glamorous crowd.

For Sid Lobo, a first-time mother, attending the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was about reestablishing a balance between family and social life.

"We have not had too much social life in the past few months, so it is nice to be out," said the 34-year-old woman, who gave birth to a baby boy, Bhruv, a month ago.

While Mrs Lobo and her husband, Rohan, 35, watched the Formula One finale, her mother, Saras, took care of Bhruv at their Dubai home.

The couple, who met in India, were among thousands of visitors at the Yas Marina Circuit who experienced the excitement of live Formula One racing for the first time.

"I was born in Malaysia and lived in Kuala Lumpur for a long time but I never really went out for a race there," Mrs Lobo said.

As for the extent of her F1 knowledge, she said: "I know some of the big names."

Mr Lobo acquired a liking for the sport during the three years he lived in Germany before moving to Dubai.

"Every Sunday, we used to go to cafes and pubs to watch," he said. "I do like Formula One, but outside of Germany I have not followed it so close."

Yesterday, he was supporting Lewis Hamilton from the McLaren-Mercedes team.

Prior to the event, Mr Lobo, who works in business development for a technology company, had been curious to see the Yas Marina Circuit ever since his employer completed a project there last year.

All this, as well as Dubai's proximity to Abu Dhabi, prompted the family to buy their F1 tickets three months ago. Out of consideration for Bhruv, the couple drove back to Dubai every night and headed back the next morning.

The days away from her baby were long, said Mrs Lobo. "But I have to get back to work soon," she said, "so there would always be a first time".