Yas Marina work races to finish

Abu Dhabi: All that one got to hear about the global real estate scenario over the last few months have been slowdowns, meltdowns and delays in project schedules.

But once you drive into the Yas Island and tour the Yas Marina Circuit, one hardly feels any side effects as work is on at a vigorous pace to ensure the Formula One racing fraternity descends on to the UAE capital in November next year.

Despite the race being advanced by a fortnight, the race for the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, to be held on November 1, 2009 is well and truly on.

A tour of the facilities in and around the 5.5km circuit leaves one awestruck as the grand stands, the north stands and the Yas Marina Hotel are all taking shape.

Most part of the tunnels and the Pit Building and Team building are also up and coming and Claire Furnell, Media Officer, Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management told reporters, "The construction of Yas Marina Circuit is running to schedule and it will be ready in time ahead of the race."

The North Grandstand, which is expected to be one of the most sought areas, will be seating over 11,000 spectators while the total seating capacity at the Yas Marina Circuit is 50,000.

Sandwiched between the Main Grandstand and the Pit Building and Team Building is the start and finish of the race and the activity here is at its busiest. "Over 4,000 workers are currently on site working day and night," Furnell said.

The pontoons are in place and once water is filled they will float at the race track level and this will then complete the Yas Marina Yacht Club which will be area where the racing action can be taken in from the smaller yachts.

Just out of the ground are the pillars on which the Sun Tower will be based and it is here the VIPs will watch the action from about 60 metres above the track, a perfect view!

Work is also in full swing on the track itself with the hard surface being laid right now and will be finally topped up with the tarmac.

And the areas where the skills of the drivers will be put to maximum test are the corners; the Yas Marina Circuit has 21 of them, 12 left and 9 right turns.

The Yas Marina Circuit is being developed by ALDAR Properties as part of the overall development of Yas Island.

The work force is set to go up by next month and with a full-fledged ready-mix plant on the site and a laboratory on site to test the quality of the concrete, Abu Dhabi looks set to showcase a spectacular race track come November 1, 2009.