Sport | Motorsport

F1 Grand Prix set for Abu Dhabi debut in 2009

If the variables come together then speculation that Abu Dhabi will host a Formula One Grand Prix in 2009 is set to become a reality.

  • By Robin Chatterjee, Sports Editor
  • Published: 00:00 January 30, 2007
  • Gulf News

  • Image Credit: Reuters
  • The race-track is likely to be built on one of the man-made islands.

Dubai: If the variables come together then speculation that Abu Dhabi will host a Formula One Grand Prix in 2009 is set to become a reality.

"Yes, it is going to happen," confirmed a source to Gulf News yesterday. The announcement is to be made this week on the sidelines of the F1 festival, organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), to be hosted in the capital from February 1-4.

An A-list of Formula One drivers, including defending champion Fernando Alonso, along with their respective teams will be attending the festival.

Curiously, seven-time Formula One driver's champion Michael Schumacher is also slated to be in the UAE during this period.

When contacted by Gulf News for comment, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone refused to confirm but insisted the media attend a press conference on Saturday.

While the date for the Grand Prix has not yet been set, given that Abu Dhabi has yet to build a race-track, it could be held towards the end of the F1 season in 2009.

Sources close to one of the F1 teams believe that the race-track is likely to be built on one of the man-made islands, with a luxurious housing development, seen from the Corniche.

When asked to point out the decisive factors that may have clinched the deal for Abu Dhabi, the source stated, "No bullsh......ers, no middlemen and no dreamers. The presence of decision-makers made this happen. You need to carve a straight path to Ecclestone."

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