Abu Dhabi on track for Grand Prix

Abu Dhabi: Work at the Yas Marina Circuit has gathered pace since the Federation Internationale de L'Automobile (FIA) confirmed last month that the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on November 15, 2009 would be the season-ending finale to the Formula One calendar.

Philippe Gurdjian, Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management (ADMM) CEO, said: "I am very happy that the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the last race of the 2009 season. We continue to work day and night to create something which will be unique both for Formula One and for Abu Dhabi."

Work began on the Yas Marina Circuit in February 2007 after the Grand Prix franchise was awarded to Abu Dhabi for a renewable seven year term until 2016.

With the present work force of 4,000 set to grow to a peak of 5,500 by the end of this year, the ADMM are confident the circuit will be finished in time for them to fully test the facilities prior to the Grand Prix.

Unparalleled view

Developers say the Yas Marina Circuit will be one the most technologically advanced circuits in the world and one of its most unique features will be the Yas Marina Hotel.

The track runs through the hotel giving guests an unparalleled view of the racing action.

The ADMM plans to hold year round action and they have said the 2010 calendar would pack in a top programme of both national and international racing.

The track for the Formula 1 runs to 5.5km but can be broken down into second and third configurations of 3.15km and 2.36km, respectively.

These two additional tracks can run independently of each other and make it possible for the Yas Marina Circuit to hold two events simultaneously.

Concerts and shows

Apart from racing action, there are plans for the track to stage major entertainment events including shows and concerts as well as other corporate events thus keeping the action going throughout the year.

The Sun Tower, a VIP hospitality facility, is expected to become a landmark of the Yas Marina Circuit which also features two pit buildings, a drag strip, a butterfly formation karting track, grandstands and a sophisticated Marina area including a hotel and yacht club.

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