An introduction to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The year 2009 welcomed the addition of a new racing circuit to the United Arab Emirates city of Abu Dhabi. This is the second F1 race in the Middle East after Bahrain. The Grand Prix takes place at the spectacular Yas Marina Circuit and is an unusual night-day race, starting at 17:00. The inaugural Grand Prix in 2009 was won by Sebastian Vettel, who also won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2010, but in 2011 was usurped by Lewis Hamilton. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be race number 18 in the 2012 season.
Abu Dhabi is home to one of the wealthiest oil reserves in the world and the Yas Marina Circuit is part of a substantial plan to develop the city into something even more magnificent. With the Grand Prix making its debut here in the 2009 season, it promises to bring many more world-class racing events to the country. Initially the Grand Prix was to be the closing race of the season, but was moved up when the Canadian and French Grand Prix races were cancelled.
The average worth of a citizen in Abu Dhabi is US$17 million dollars, making Abu Dhabi the world’s richest city. The Grand Prix will be held on the stunning Yas Island located on the east side of the city. In true Middle Eastern style, the city is brimming with glamour, haute couture, five-star hotels and Michelin-star restaurants. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will certainly bring a touch of class to the racing world.
Abu Dhabi has successfully retained its native style and charm despite the plethora of top hotels, flashy cars and stylish homes. There is a lot to do and see in the city, including the Ferrari Theme Park and the Louvre Abu Dhabi. At the Yas Marina Circuit there is a karting centre, drag racing and an impressive off-road driving school.
This F1 race boasts Abu Dhabi’s national airline carrier, Etihad Airways, as its sponsor. The race weather will be less extreme than the track itself, with temperatures usually expected to be around 27° C in the middle of the day. The fully covered grandstands ensure plentiful shade until the race enters its cooler night phase.