Abu Dhabi: Staging next year's inaugural Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at night does not seem to be on the organisers' radar, according to Philippe Gurdjian, Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management (ADMM) CEO.
In an interview with Gulf News after Tuesday's launch of the Art in Motion - an exhibition on the Yas Marina Circuit where the inaugural race will be held in November next year - Gurdjian spoke about their plans.
GULF NEWS: After Singapore's success there has been talk that Abu Dhabi could also be a night race. What are the chances?
Philippe Gurdjian: Until today it is not the objective to make the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix a night race. Just a few days ago Bernie Ecclestone, the Formula One chief had said that the 2009 calendar will have one night race and that is Singapore.
Do you think a night race will be more conducive in a city like Abu Dhabi?
From my side the answer is no. First of all we have spent a lot of time on how to show to the world the emirate of Abu Dhabi. I would personally like it to be a day race as that will give us the opportunity to show case the buildings, facilities and capture the spirit and character of Abu Dhabi and the Yas Marina Circuit. We have spent 12 months doing it.
At present are lights part of the project?
We are working on the concept of lights. But it is difficult to do it. Secondly we are concentrating more on the aesthetic side of the project. But yes we are working on this aspect.
The Yas Marina Circuit is being termed as unique and one-of-kind in the world. What do you feel?
When you are going to switch on the TV to watch the race, you will immediately recognise Abu Dhabi.
Recently the race was held in Fuji and you can take the circuit and put it anywhere in the world but one can't say it is the Fuji circuit. But that will not be the case with Abu Dhabi.
A hotel which spans the track, a marina with a yacht club and grandstands which are 100% completely covered. It is unique.
With so much of experience behind you, did you face any particular challenges in Abu Dhabi?
The challenge is to be creative, how to be creative. I can tell Khaldoon (Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, the Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority and Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management) I want to do something different. It is easy to say but the challenge is in doing something creative.