An introduction to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The year 2009 welcomes the addition of a new racing circuit in the United Arab Emirates city of Abu Dhabi. The Yas Marina Circuit will be race number 19 of the 2009 season and not content with making its inaugural appearance into Formula One, it will also host the all important final race of the season on November 1st.
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 populous area into something even more magnificent. With the Grand Prix making its debut here in the 2009 season and the circuit hosting the final race of the campaign, the track has the promise to become host to one of the most eventful races of the season.
The average worth of a citizen in Abu Dhabi is US$17m dollars, making Abu Dhabi the world’s richest city, and the Grand Prix will be held on the stunning Yas Island that sits on the east side of the city. In true Middle East style, the city is brimming with glamour and haute couture, boasting five-star hotels and Michelin-star restaurants, and 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, which is easy to find among its 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, and at Yas Marina Circuit there is a karting centre, drag racing and an impressive off-road driving school.
The race boasts the national airline carrier, Etihad Airways, as its sponsor and will take place on Sunday 1st November at 15:00 local time (GMT +4). The race weather will be less extreme than the track itself, with temperatures expected to be around 27° C in the middle of the day but with fully covered grandstands, shade will be plentiful.