The inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the final round of the 2009 Formula Oneseason, takes place this weekend at the new Yas Marina Circuit on theeastern side of Abu Dhabi.
The spectacular 5.554km track, designed by renowned Formula One architectHermann Tilke, is located on Yas Island just thirty minutes from Abu Dhabicity. Running alongside Yas Island's new marina, the anti-clockwise circuithas many unique features including a pitlane exit which crosses under thecircuit and part of the track passing under the Yas Marina Hotel.
Abu Dhabi will host Formula One's first twilight race with the lights goingout in late daylight conditions at 17:00hrs on Sunday and the chequered flagfalling in the evening around ninety minutes later. With Brawn GP and JensonButton successfully securing the Constructors' and Drivers' Championships atthe last race in Brazil, the team are now looking forward to putting on agreat show in Abu Dhabi this weekend at the final race of the season.
ROSS BRAWN, TEAM PRINCIPAL
Q. After such an emotional weekend in Brazil, what are your thoughts aheadof the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?
"Brazil was a fantastic weekend and to have won the Constructors' and theDrivers' Championships with Brawn GP is a very special achievement.I am incredibly proud of the whole team at Brawn GP and Mercedes-Benz HighPerformance Engines. We've all had a few busy days since returning to the UKand it was great for both Jenson and I to get back to the factory and thankeveryone in person for their contribution to our successes. At the sametime, we have been looking ahead to the final race and ensuring that all ourpreparations are in place for Abu Dhabi which is an important weekend forthe team as we look to secure second position in the Drivers' Championshipwith Rubens. The new Yas Marina Circuit looks extremely impressive and we'relooking forward to getting out to Abu Dhabi and having our first look at thetrack. With the challenge of a new circuit, we are able to use data providedby the FIA to create a circuit map which can be used in our simulator at thefactory. We went through this process for the new street circuits inValencia and Singapore last year so it is a process that the team isfamiliar with. Knowing the circuit when they arrive helps the drivers to getinto a rhythm quickly during the first practice sessions and allows us tocheck gear ratios and compare set-up items. We can also use the simulator tounderstand tyre behaviour. From this we get an understanding of the carbalance and that allows us to determine our start set-up for the weekend."
JENSON BUTTONQ. What are your thoughts on the new Yas Marina Circuit?
"It's a fantastic feeling to be going into the final race having achieved myambition of winning the Drivers' Championship and with the team havingwrapped up the Constructors' Championship in Brazil. We want to finish theseason in style with a great result but we can be a little more relaxed inour approach to the weekend! I had a short break in the Gulf region afterthe Bahrain Grand Prix and went to have a look at the Yas Marina Circuit.Even back then, when the construction work was still underway, thefacilities looked outstanding and the organisers have done a great job increating a spectacular venue. It's always fun to try a new race track,particularly one which looks as unique as Yas Marina with the unusualpitlane exit and the day/night race. I'm sure Abu Dhabi is going to host anexciting weekend and a great finale to the 2009 Formula One season."
RUBENS BARRICHELLO
Q. Are you looking forward to racing on a new track in Abu Dhabi?
"It's always a good challenge to race at a new venue and the Yas MarinaCircuit looks extremely impressive from the reports that I have seen.The layout of the circuit seems both fun and challenging and it will beinteresting to start the race in daylight and to finish in eveningconditions. Our track walk on Thursday will be important to get an initialfeel for the characteristics of the circuit and we will spend the first fewlaps on Friday getting to grips with the layout. From then on, it will bebusiness as usual with our standard practice programme.The team has had a great season so far and we want to finish on a high witha strong performance this weekend."
Yas Marina Circuit Stats
Circuit Length: 5.554km Race Distance: 305.470km Number of Laps: 55
Full Throttle: 60% Brake Wear: High Tyre Compounds: Soft / Medium Downforce Level: High - 8/10 Tyre Usage: Medium Average Speed: 188kph (117mph)
Race Weekend Schedule (all times are local)
Friday 30 OctoberPractice 1: 1300 - 1430 Practice 2: 1700 - 1830
Saturday 31 OctoberPractice 3: 1400 - 1500 Qualifying: 1700 - 1800
Sunday 1 NovemberRace: 1700
