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".
vtodorova@thenational.ae
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ENGLAND SQUAD
Joe Root (c), Moeen Ali, Jimmy Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Alastair Cook, Sam Curran, Keaton Jennings, Ollie Pope, Adil Rashid, Ben Stokes, James Vince, Chris Woakes
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
West Asia rugby, season 2017/18 - Roll of Honour
Western Clubs Champions League - Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners up: Bahrain
Dubai Rugby Sevens - Winners: Dubai Exiles; Runners up: Jebel Ali Dragons
West Asia Premiership - Winners: Jebel Ali Dragons; Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UAE Premiership Cup - Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners up: Dubai Exiles
UAE Premiership - Winners: Dubai Exiles; Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins
The Transfiguration
Director: Michael O’Shea
Starring: Eric Ruffin, Chloe Levine
Three stars
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
THE BIO
Age: 33
Favourite quote: “If you’re going through hell, keep going” Winston Churchill
Favourite breed of dog: All of them. I can’t possibly pick a favourite.
Favourite place in the UAE: The Stray Dogs Centre in Umm Al Quwain. It sounds predictable, but it honestly is my favourite place to spend time. Surrounded by hundreds of dogs that love you - what could possibly be better than that?
Favourite colour: All the colours that dogs come in
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
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The specs
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 502hp at 7,600rpm
Torque: 637Nm at 5,150rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Price: from Dh317,671
On sale: now
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
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