Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2009

To all my blog followers and readers, this entry in my blog will be in English (normally it is in my mothertongue Afrikaans), to facilitate the English readers that are interested in the first Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2009.

Credit for photos and some material/information to the Khaleej Times, Abu Dhabi Motor Sports, and friends of us, Anita and Adrian Wale, for their photos taken from their boat.

For the first time in the United Arab Emirates' history, the formula 1 grand prix will take place in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the U.A.E. Dubai, a more well known city in the U.A.E., are located about 150 km away from Abu Dhabi. The circuit, called the Yas Marina circuit, was purpose built for this event, and here are some frequently asked questions and answers:

Is Yas Marina Circuit a street circuit or a permanent track?

Yas Marina Circuit was initially planned as a street circuit with a semi-permanent section, however on further re-designs, the vision changed and it was decided that Abu Dhabi had an opportunity to create a purpose built circuit that truly set new global performance and configuration standards. The plan was updated accordingly. Yas Marina Circuit is a permanent facility where races can be run on one of three configurations. The full Formula 1™ track is 5.55km (3.4 miles) long and comprises 21 turns, 12 left and nine right with an estimated lap time of 1 minute 40 seconds and runs in an anti-clockwise direction. The second and third configurations of the track are shorter at 3.15km (1.9 miles) and 2.36km (1.46 miles) respectively. The two additional tracks can run independently of each other and make it possible for the Yas Marina Circuit to hold two events simultaneously.


Why is Yas Marina unique?

The ethos behind the project was not only to develop a racing facility that the Formula 1™ community would be proud to visit but also a flagship, a centre of motorsporting excellence, that will showcase the region and highlight the many opportunities in the United Arab Emirates. One of the most unique features of the track is the Yas Marina Hotel, the only hotel in the World to have a Formula 1™ track running through it, giving an unparalleled view to those lucky guests resident on race weekend. When complete, Yas Marina Circuit will be one the most technologically advanced circuits in the World. What makes the Circuit even more special is that visitors will experience a mixture of the traditional Arabic culture and welcoming hospitality alongside sensational on-track action. Standing resplendent at the top of the start finish straight is the Shams Tower, a VIP hospitality facility powered by one of the regions most plentiful resources – the sun. The Sun Tower will become one of the iconic landmarks of Yas Marina Circuit making it instantly recognisable for visitors and viewers around the World. In addition Yas Marina Circuit features two pit buildings, an innovative drag strip, a unique butterfly formation karting track, stylish grandstands and sophisticated Marina area including a hotel and yacht club.

Will the race be a day or nighttime event?

The race will be the first day/night race in the history of the event. It is the best of both worlds, spectators and television viewers will see the stunning architecture of the world’s newest Formula 1™ circuit during the afternoon sunlight and then experience what it is like under floodlights. We hope that everyone will be impressed by what they experience and see.”
Yas Marina Circuit’s lighting system utilises the most advanced technology available. The 24-40 meter tall outfield floodlights provide horizontal lighting. The smaller 7-15 meter infield fixtures have a highly sophisticated ‘vertical controllable beam’ designed specifically to provide a consistent daylight effect as well as removing shadow and glare at driver level. The lights will be on from the start of the race to ensure a seamless transition from daylight to dark.


Where is Yas Marina Circuit?

Yas Marina Circuit is located on an island east of Abu Dhabi City. Yas Island is just one of the 200 islands that form Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Yas Island is located just 15 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport. A 10-lane highway will connect the airport, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island and Abu Dhabi City Centre. The circuit is approximately a twenty five minute drive from Abu Dhabi city centre.

When did the work on Yas Marina Circuit start?

The first soil was turned in February 2007.

Yas Marina has its own air traffic control tower, used when big events are being hosted. During the last month, 40 000 workers combined efforts to get Yas Marina Circuit finished on time for the event. They succeeded.

Thank You guys and girls!!

There are several hotels on the newly developed Yas Island, and amongst them, the Yas Marina Hotel, which is truly spectacular, and during night time, the roof area is completely lit. The lighting is in a fishing net array form and it changes colour to provide a picturesque scene. The circuit passes underneath the hotel.

It is really exiting to live in Abu Dhabi right now, and with all the construction and development around us, things are literally transforming on a weekly basis.

We are indeed enjoying our time here, hope you enjoy this exiting new track and grand prix event, whether you are here in Abu Dhabi, or viewing it with the other 600 million television viewers worldwide.