Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Preview
The 17th and final round of the 2009 FIA Formula One World Championship takes place at the Yas Marina Circuit, around 30 minutes from Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. This will be the inaugural event for the purpose-built circuit.
Designed by Herman Tilke, the circuit features 21 turns, 12 left and nine right, and runs in an anti-clockwise direction. The Yas Marina Circuit features a combination of three chicanes, six 90-degree corners and a hairpin leading to the back straight, along with sand dunes which wind through the man-made island. The circuit features four main grandstand areas and part of its pitlane exit runs underneath the track through a tunnel under turn one. Drivers will be faced with the challenges of the Arabian climate and will have to cope with heat, dehydration and sand on the track.
The race is scheduled to begin at 5pm local time, seeing the Grand Prix starting in daylight and ending at night time, with the sun setting in Abu Dhabi at around 6pm.
YAS MARINA CIRCUIT – INTERESTING FACTS
- The circuit’s lighting system will use advanced lighting technology to provide a consistent daylight effect. Light fixtures with vertical controllable beams will be used to remove shadow and glare at driver level. This will provide a seamless transition from daylight to darkness as the lights will be on from the start of the race.
- The grandstands are 100 per cent covered and are completely rain proof.
- The circuit incorporates a number of sustainable solutions and future technologies such as solar panels in the buildings around the circuit. The Sun Tower, a VIP facility, is powered by solar energy.
- Yas Marina Circuit is located on an island east of Abu Dhabi city. Yas Island is one of the 200 islands that form Abu Dhabi.
- The circuit features two pit buildings and a 1.2 km karting track in an elaborate butterfly shape to the south of a long drag racing strip.
- The event will feature the largest volunteer workforce ever recruited for any event in the UAE. Up to 900 volunteers will carry out a variety of hospitality-related activities on and off the circuit.
- Grand Prix ticket holders will have the opportunity to attend the Yasalam (meaning ‘amazing’ in Arabic) after-race concerts which will feature a variety of well known international artists.
- The Yasalam events will also include educational events for students, live art with Formula One replica cars, free concerts and film screenings on the Corniche.
CIRCUIT DATA
Length of lap: 5.554km
Offset: 0.109km
Total number of race laps: 55
Total race distance: 305.361km
Speed limits in the pit lane: 60km/h during practice sessions;
100km/h during qualifying and race
FORMULA ONE TIME TABLE
Friday
Practice Session 1: 13.00 – 14.30 hrs
Practice Session 2: 17.00 – 18.30 hrs
Saturday
Practice Session 3: 14.00 – 15.00 hrs
Qualifying: 17.00 – 18.00 hrs
Sunday
End-of-season Driver Photograph and Parade: 15.25 – 15.45 hrs
Race: 17.00 hrs
I confidently predict a Lewis Jenson one two! 
of this event however updates will be provided throughout the weekend.