The Ferrari 488 Challenge drive at Yas Marina Circuit

Why it is on the list

Yas Marina Circuit is the Formula One track of Abu Dhabi, drawn by Hermann Tilke, opened in 2009 and host of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix every year since; its Grand Prix layout holds FIA Grade 1.¹ The Ferrari Challenge Asia-Pacific has raced there.¹ The 488 Challenge is the most powerful car the circuit puts guests in: a 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 of 670 bhp, 760 Nm, 0 to 100 km/h in 3.0 seconds and 330 km/h at the top.² An instructor sits with you in the briefing, introduces the car and debriefs you after the laps.²

It is the wrong day for anyone under 160 cm or over 190 cm, over 105 kg, or without a full driving licence; the laps are on the South Circuit or the North Corkscrew layout, confirmed when you book, not the full Grand Prix loop.² For a day on the land instead, take the Royal Platinum Desert Experience.

How to get it

Book on the car's page at the circuit; the drive costs AED 4,790.² Sessions run to a schedule, mainly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays; for other dates call +971 2 497 9000 or 800 927.³ Before the day, upload your licence and sign the waiver in the circuit's app.² Drivers aged 17 to 25 need two years on their licence, and provisional licences are refused.² Arrive 20 to 30 minutes early at the West Entrance and go to Yas Central; the whole visit takes about an hour, seven laps of it on track, the last a cooling lap.² Wear long sleeves, long trousers and closed shoes; national dress and abayas are not allowed. The circuit supplies race suit, helmet, balaclava and gloves.² Questions go to customerservice@ymc.ae.²

Discretion

Friends and family may watch from the circuit while you drive, and onboard video of your laps is offered after the debrief.² Sessions follow Race Control's schedule and share the circuit's operating days.²³