Formula One Abu Dhabi
November 2, 2009 by Anthony Crawford
By all accounts Abu Dhabi has proved a popular race venue for the Formula One teams and spectators alike.
The spanking new Yas Marina Circuit, looking more like a theme park at night than a Formula One venue is certainly a spectacular site.
Red Bull must be delighted with their stunning one-two victory in the inaugural race, with our own Mark Webber scoring yet another podium finish.
Most of the twenty drivers were praiseworthy of the track, while there was little, if any, criticism.
Williams’s driver Nico Rosberg said, “…I think they have done a very good job and it is an interesting track and every corner is unique”.
Force India driver has similar things to say about the circuit and said it was better than Singapore. “I think it is better than Singapore for sure. He said, “Singapore is too light, it is too bright and you don’t have the feeling of a night race”.
“Here there is definitely enough light – you really see the track clearly – and it is nice. Driving into the sunset was quite cool with the sun there. It was a good feeling”.
One or two drivers did express concern with the underground section of the pit exit being too narrow, but there were no incidents during race weekend.
Print it: 
Three letters O M G, that track is stuff from make believe sci-fi movies, it cannot be real. Astonishing.
LOL @ albert Park.
Hahaha, good one Greig!
Apparently the Melbourne F1 posted a $40m loss this year…imagine how much they would have lost had they actually setup a decent venue. I’m glad I’m not a Victorian tax payer right now.
If it were logistically and technically feasible (and we know it’s not), how awesome would it be if they could hold an F1 race in Sydney. Starting grid on the Harbour Bridge heading south, then following around the Cahill Express, somehow touch on Hyde Park or the Botanical Gardens (perhaps Mrs Macquaries Rd), then loop back through the Sydney Harbour Tunnel and double-back onto the bridge. Hardly possible, but makes me salivate nonetheless.
wow, hopefully these sorts of tracks and facilities will become the new standard for the next generation of fans and racers alike….fantastic!
too bad the racing was boring.. getting really tired of herman tilke’s designs
Look out, soon Tony ‘Co(krane’ will go over there and say to the owners of the circuit that he has a travelling circus that will bring in even more people and offer far greater entertainment! ;-)
Would be interesting though…
DA – The V8 Supercars are going to be racing at Abu Dhabi next year. Bahrain will be the opening round and a week later Abu Dhabi…..Why?
Watching Webber lose the rear when we warming his tyres through that insanely narrow exit tunnel impressed somewhat. Webber will win in 2010!
sometimes i wonder the relevance of F1…spending all these money.
Rally cars provides more re-usable knowedge for cars we drive.
who cares about the relevance of F1 mate?
what is the relevance of cricket? what is the relevance of the Melbourne cup?
While I could appreciate the surrounding lighting and spectator infrastructure I thought the circuit layout itself was a bit typical and underwhelming, and the pit exit impractical and potentially dangerous. The long straights made for good overtaking opportunities but the corners where lacking in the vertical department. Its the vertical aspect that helps put Bathurst, Nurburgring and Spa in a class of their own. For what its worth (not much) I give it an 8/10.