World's fastest rollercoaster opens at new Ferrari World theme park in Abu Dhabi



Visitors to the new Ferrari theme park in Abu Dhabi are guaranteed the ride of the lives in the world’s fastest rollercoaster.



The Formula Rossa rollercoaster travels at 149mph in 4.9 seconds, recreating the G-force felt in a Formula One car. It is so fast that riders have to wear safety goggles, just like those a racing driver wears during a Grand Prix.



High speed thrills: Ferrari World's Formula Rossa rollercoaster is the fastest in the world

Thousands of visitors flocked to Yas Island for the theme park’s grand opening last week. At over 80,000m² it is the world’s largest indoor park and is expected to attract an estimated 10,000 tourists a day.



Its red roof is modelled on the side profile of a Ferrari GT and features the largest prancing horse logo ever created.

The park's roof is modelled on the side profile of a Ferrari GT and features a giant prancing horse logo

The park boasts over 20 rides and attractions including a tower ride that shoots riders 62 metres (203 feet) into the air with G-forces that the likes of Lewis Hamilton might experience.



The Fiorano GT Challenge also offers visitors the chance to race their friends in a Ferrari F430 Spider. Other attractions include a flume ride through a Ferrari engine, complete with giant pistons and an exhaust pipe.

Tower of terror: The G-Force shoots riders 62 metres into the air with G-forces that a racing driver might feel

Visitors can stroll through a Ferrari paddock, handle tools used during races and train to be part of a pit crew that changes the tyres on an F1 car.



The park also houses the largest collection of classic and modern Ferrari race cars outside of the company's Maranello headquarters in Italy as well as a trattoria inspired by Mamma Rossella's restaurant, a favourite haunt of Ferrari drivers.



The theme park is located just down the road from the Yas Marina Circuit which will host the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix next weekend.

The V12 attraction enables visitors to journey into the heart of a Ferrari engine, complete with giant pistons and a maze of passageways

'It brings motor racing. It brings together beautiful GT cars. It brings nostalgia,' said Andy Keeling, the park manager of Ferrari World.



'Let's also not forget it is a great, fun place to go. It's not a museum. It's not a car salesroom. You ride great roller coasters. The icing on the cake is that it's a Ferrari Formula 1 roller coaster.'



General manager Claus Frimand said that the the park offered Ferrari a unique platform to share its 81-year history and attract a legion of new fans.



'We are the ultimate brand experience for Ferrari,' Frimand said. 'We tell the whole story of all the Ferrari victories over time and why it's the biggest of the race teams.’



