The iconic turquoise track paint of the Yas Marina Circuit greeted guests as they arrived in Abu Dhabi for a memorable day spent driving extraordinary supercars. As well as the epitome of high-performance automotive engineering, guests were also able to immerse themselves in an exclusive lifestyle that is curated specifically for American Express Centurion Members in the Middle East.
If you needed a sneak peek into a world of bespoke experiences, then a thrilling track day on Abu Dhabi’s Formula One-approved circuit will give you exactly that. After a suitably gourmet lunch at the Yas Marina Circuit, Esquire Middle East climbed behind the wheel of a purring Porsche GT3 RS and began to settle into the lifestyle of the Centurion Membership. “What makes Centurion Membership so special is the connection to people, places and experiences Card Members can’t get anywhere else”, said Hamad Hassani, Centurion Vice President in the Middle East.
Accompanied by a DJ-spun soundtrack, the guests grinned as their gazes fell upon a line-up of technicolour supercars. Among the fleet were a McLaren 720S, a Ferrari F8 Tributo, an Audi R8 Spyder, and a Mercedes- Benz GTR—driving machines that were about to transport them to a place where the heart pounds and the adrenaline surges. Few people get to live out the fantasy of being a racing driver and experiencing the thrill of posting lap times that could land them on the top step of the day’s podium. Today, every minor miscalculation of the racing line will make the difference between taking the chequered flag or a podium finish.
Ahead of the green light, words of wisdom from race aces Costantino Bertuzzi (former test driver for Ferrari’s Formula One team when Michael Schumacher was in his pomp) and Laura Villars (a pioneering racing driver in the world of female motorsport) revealed their first-hand insights and on-track tips.
Giddy from driving supercars at top speed, Centurion Members tried to make themselves heard above the roar of the engines as they eagerly recounted their experiences of pushing these special vehicles to their limits around the challenging turns of Yas Marina Circuit. To reinforce the theme of the day—precision, timing and expertise—we were next given a unique, hands-on opportunity of challenging ourselves to change a tyre in the pit lane where every second counts.
Hassani shared insightful thoughts on Centurion Membership that “it’s more than just a Card; it’s about bringing the highest level of personalized service, benefits, and experiences together.” Centurion Card Members enjoy a universe of bespoke luxury, convenience, and unforgettable moments at their fingertips. He explained how the nuance of these expertly curated concierge services make Centurion Card Members feel part of a unique community, no matter where they are in the world.
While we may not have topped the podium on that day, we left with a taste of what it means to be part of a membership that thrives on unparalleled experiences. The Centurion Card is a way of life—offering exclusive benefits and an array of unique experiences tailor-made to the modern affluent travellers and luxury enthusiasts.