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2009 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi : 30 October - 1 November 2009
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DATA:
Length:
5.554 km |
No of Laps:
55 (estimated) |
Pole Position:
- |
Lap Record:
- |
Fastest Lap:
- |
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GP of Abu Dhabi Facts:
| Full throttle ratio |
n/a |
| Top speed race |
n/a |
| Longest flat-out section |
n/a |
| Right-/left-hand turns |
n/a |
| Tyre wear |
n/a |
| Brake wear |
n/a |
| Downforce level |
n/a |
| Gearshifts per lap |
n/a |
Circuit Review: Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi
A new addition to the FIA Formula One World Championship calendar, the 5.55 kilometre long Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi is set to host its first Grand Prix on 1st November, closing out the 17-round 2009 championship season.
Built on the Yas Island, the circuit is set to rewrite Formula One circuit design books with its top speeds of 320 km/h and average speeds of 198 km/h. Featuring nine right turns and 11 left turns, the Yas Marina Circuit runs anti-clockwise, joining the Otodrom Istanbul in Turkey, Belgium’s Spa Francorchamps and the Singapore street circuit.
Designed by the same renowned circuit architect that built Sepang and Shanghai, Hermann Tilke set the circuit against a scenic waterfront background likening the Yas Marina Circuit to Monaco and Valencia as it has been designed to hug the island’s brand new marina.
In conceptualising the Yas Marina circuit, Tilke has remained true to the core theme of racing while emphasising luxury and unparalleled views. In addition to the waterfront area, the circuit features a good mix of high-speed sections, tight overtaking corners as well as a twisty street circuit-style sector. The diversity in the design elements combined has made the circuit among the longest and demanding tracks ensuring a close and competitive racing spectacle for fans and competitors alike.
Among the other firsts include the grandstands that include a massive hairpin covered seating area while the high-tech pit building is home to 40 garages. The circuit also incorporates other facilities including a five-star hotel and a solar-powered Sun Tower with its 60-metre height offering guests a spectacular view of the goings-on down on the circuit.
The BMW Sauber F1 Team on the Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi:
Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director:
“Abu Dhabi is the only new circuit we’ll be visiting this year. We’re looking forward to the debut GP in a region which offers significant opportunities economically. We can expect a spectacular atmosphere at the marina circuit, which is built on an artificial island given over almost exclusively to leisure activities. Hopefully the battle for the 2009 World Championship will again come down to the last race of the season – and hopefully we’ll play a more prominent role in the race than in Brazil in 2008.”
Willy Rampf, Head of Engineering:
“I always find it exciting when we come to a new circuit. Because Abu Dhabi is the last race of the season we still have a lot of time to analyse the track in detail. Above all, we will collect a large amount of data over the course of the season, which we can then use in practice. In Abu Dhabi we will be relying one hundred percent on our simulation programs, with which we had very good experiences last season in Singapore and Valencia.”
Nick Heidfeld:
“It is good that we will have something new to explore once again in 2009. I always like to visit new venues and circuits, and you can see how quickly the individual drivers become accustomed to the new track. The United Arab Emirates are not totally new to me and the plans gave me an impression of just how colossal this whole project is. I’m very eager to experience the track design and the facility as a whole.”
Past Winners:
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Other Circuits