Abu Dhabi Grand Prix On Track

The Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix may be two years away, with even an approximate date still a mystery, but work towards the big day is progressing at a remarkable pace.

On a tour of the site at Yas Island, which once complete will be unrivalled according to the men entrusted with the task of putting it all together, the embyonic circuit is taking shape.

"Our aim is to create the most thrilling circuit in the Formula One Championship and one that will be a real experience for the fans," said Ronald Barrot, CEO of Aldar Properties, the company constructing the track

"We are also ensuring that the overall look and feel of the circuit will have an authentic Arab and Abu Dhabi flair to it so fans will know they are in Abu Dhabi," Barrot added.

Peter Hohmann, Project Manager of Tilke, the team behind the circuit's design, highlighted the features that will separate the Yas Island masterpiece from the rest.

"The combination of three styles of circuit – stadium arenas, street circuit and marina – will make the 2009 Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix track unique," he said.

"The circuit design will bring the cars within five metres of the water's edge in parts as it wraps around the marina, which has a size and depth to allow more than 150 yachts."

Expressing his satisfaction at the work so far, Hohmann said: "We are extremely pleased with the design and construction progress to date and the circuit will be completed by the end of 2008."

At the Formula One mini-festival organised along the picturesque Corniche earlier this year, a few cars stalled while the drivers showboated for the fans. However, Hohmann refuted theories pointing to the Emirates' soaring temperatures. "As I understand from the organisers, the stalling of the cars was nothing to do with heat. It was merely an issue of the available space as this was not an official track.

"Of course we are taking everything into consideration in the design of Yas Island Circuit, including heat and other conditions to suit the geography and climate."

With the circuit to have at least two or three areas for overtaking, Hohmann promised that spectators would catch more than a glimpse of their stars zooming past one another.

"The stadium seating is state of the art and the position of the grandstands has been chosen in relation to the areas on the track where we are expecting to see the most excitement," he said.

A Tour Around The Circuit

The circuit has been designed by renowned Formula One circuit designer Herman Tilke.

To be approximately 5.53km long, it will have three distinct sections:

3.03km permanent section
2.5km temporary street section
A Monaco style marina section

The track will permit an average speed of 198kph with at least three sections for overtaking.

There will be a 10m difference in lowest and highest points on the track which will make it harder for the drivers to negotiate turns, contributing to a greater racing spectacle for the fans.

The marina at the circuit will be built to accommodate more than 150 yachts including up to 20 yachts in excess of 30 metre-long and six 60-metre long mega-yachts.

The track project is being constructed by Aldar Property Development Company, who are working alongside Cebarco-WCT WLL of Malaysia.

Yas Island

Yas Island is a 2,550-hectare natural leisure island located to the east of Abu Dhabi

Bani (the people of) Yas, one of the most famous Arab tribes, includes the Al Maktoum and Al Nahyan families

In addition to the Formula One circuit, the completed Yas Island development will also include: