Ferrari announces Abu Dhabi theme park

Ferrari is pleased to announce it has signed a contract with Aldar, a leading Abu Dhabi property company, to create a Ferrari theme park within the Yas Island project. The ceremony took place this afternoon in Sakhir, which is currently hosting the Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix, in the presence of Ferrari C.E.O. Jean Todt and Aldar C.E.O. Ronald Barrott. Felipe Massa, Ronald Barrott, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Jean Todt, Kimi Raikkonen

"The agreement that has been signed today strengthens our ties with Abu Dhabi which is already one of our shareholders and a sponsor of the Scuderia through the Mubadala company," commented Jean Todt. "The park will constitute an amazing opportunity to experience the world of Ferrari and to appreciate the values that have made the Prancing Horse a unique marque around the world. We are happy to embark on this project with Aldar, a company in the vanguard of its sector of activity which also shares our philosophy of striving for excellence."

"This partnership with Ferrari will allow Aldar to create an exciting attraction for Abu Dhabi, which will have something for all the family and will also highlight the already close relationship between Ferrari and Aldar," said Ronald Barrott. "Abu Dhabi is a rapidly expanding market and Formula 1 is an integral part of this commercial growth. Aldar has put a great deal of effort into Formula 1 with the development in progress on the island of Yas, but our collaboration with Ferrari intensifies this involvement and increases the profile and outreach of our company."

Work on the island has already started and the Ferrari park, which will cover an area of 250,000 square meters will be one of the main attractions. It will feature an interesting concept in terms of fun and entertainment and boast 24 attractions aimed at the family, a driving school and virtual simulation rides, as well as merchandising areas where it will be possible to buy branded items for all those wishing to be fully immersed in the Ferrari experience. Part of the circuit, that as from 2009 will host the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix will be integrated with the Ferrari Driving School Experience at the theme park.