Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is held annually at the Yas Marina circuit and has proved extremely popular with the teams. Despite the extreme weather conditions the track provide exceptional resources including air-conditioned garages in order to allow racing to take place without any of the problems that might have been expected.
The waterfront circuit snakes around the marina and provides a spectacular setting for the race. With many innovative features such as a five star hotel that straddles the track and a pit lane tunnel that passes under the circuit it is very exciting race for spectators and teams alike.
Watch Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Live
Formula 1 visits Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi for round 18 of the 2011 Live F1 season.
2011 Season
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix offers opportunities for a number of teams to put in good performances. Whilst there is a local affinity for Ferrari, with a local theme park dedicated to the prancing horse, the first two race shave been dominated by Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull. The solid German is sure to be in contention once again whilst his team mate Mark Webber will also be pushing all the way. McLaren will look to the good overtaking opportunities to chase the Red Bull team whilst Fernando Alonso is known to like the track and will expect a good run from his car.
Overview
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is a stunning spectacle with incredible architecture and day-night racing combining to produce an exceptional event.
The circuit itself is 5.554 km in length and combines 20 turns in a race that is run in an anti-clockwise direction. The race is held over 55 laps with a total race distance of 305.355 km. The lap record is held by Sebastian Vettel with a time of 1:40:279 which was set in 2009.
History
The first Formula One race was held in Abu Dhabi in 2009. The circuit was designed by renowned race-track architect Hermann Tilke and provides a superb setting for top quality racing. The race was the first day-night race in Formula One history with the floodlights switched on from the start of the event to ensure a seamless transition from daylight to night.
Abu Dhabi hold the rights to stage the event until 2016 and it is anticipated that the event will grow into one of the favourite races of the season.
Key Moments
2010
Sebastian Vettel claims victory and becomes the youngest Formula One World Champion.
2009
Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber finish in first and second place to give Red Bull a superb 1-2 result. Polesitter Lewis Hamilton is forced to retire due to brake failure.
