Sport | Motorsport
Abu Dhabi set to host finale
Organisers of the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix have reacted enthusiastically to the news that the event will make its debut as the final race of the next season.
- By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
- Published: 00:03 June 26, 2008
- Ferrari's Filippe Massa could be battling it out for the title in Abu Dhabi in 2009
- Image Credit: AP
Abu Dhabi: Organisers of the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix have reacted enthusiastically to the news that the event will make its debut as the final race of the next season.
Announcing the draft calendar for 2009 the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) said that the season will for the first time in 20 years extend to 19 races with the final round scheduled for November 15 at Yas Island.
While it is unusual for a new circuit on the calendar to be introduced as the last race, it is not the first time it has happened. In 1984 Estoril, Portugal, made its debut as the season finale and the following year Adelaide, Australia, followed suit.
As the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has the makings of being a championship decider, as the championship was in 2007, it has triggered great excitement among officials here.
Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Motor Sport Management (ADMM) and Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority (EAA) said: "This is another important milestone for the 2009 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
"There has been a great deal of speculation about the timing of our race and we are delighted with the provisional date of 15 November 2009 as this is the last race of the season and potentially the Championship decider.
"This timing also ensures that visitors to the emirate will be able to enjoy some of the best weather Abu Dhabi has to offer."
Work on the Yas Island race circuit is in full swing and Philippe Gurdjian, CEO of Abu Dhabi Motor Sport Management said: "Our work has progressed so well that we will be ready in time for any occurrence.
"Construction of Yas Mar-ina Circuit has advanced substantially and we are confident that when the fin-al result is unveiled in Nov-ember 2009, Abu Dhabi will set a unique standard in the world of motorsport," Gurdjian said in a statement.
Multiple Middle East Rally champion Mohammad Bin Sulayem, who is the FIA's official representative in the UAE was equally enthused.
"It is a great time as the weather will just be perfect. Initially the month of October was being mentioned and we were a bit worried because it is a bit hot then, but November 15 is perfect for both man and machine as well as for the spectators."
CALENDAR
- March 29 - Australia (Melbourne)
- April 5 - Malaysia (Sepang)
- April 19 - Bahrain (Manama)
- May 10 - Spain (Barcelona)
- May 24 - Monaco
- June 7 - Canada (Montreal)
- June 21 - Britain (Silverstone)
- June 28 - France (Magny-Cours)
- July 12 - Germany (Nuerburgring)
- July 26 - Hungary (Budapest)
- Aug. 9 - Turkey (Istanbul)
- Aug 23 - Europe (Valencia)
- Sept. 6 - Italy (Monza)
- Sept 13 - Belgium (Spa)
- Sept 27 - Singapore
- Oct 11 - Japan (Suzuka)
- Oct 18 - China (Shanghai)
- Nov 1 - Brazil (Interlagos)
- Nov 15 - Abu Dhabi
Track record
- German architect Herman Tilke has designed the Abu Dhabi Formula One circuit on Yas Island.
- Yas Island is a 2,550 hectare natural leisure island located to the east of capital.
- The 5.5km track will be unique as it will be distinctly divided into two parts - a 3-km stretch for everyday traffic while the second part covering 2.5km will be exclusively used during F1 racing.
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