See full version: Yas Marina F1 circuit reveals track changes to improve racing
“Given its position as the final race in the Formula 1 season, it is always a special date on the calendar, and with this year’s event set to be the first on the new-look track and the last race before we enter the new era of F1 in 2022, there is added incentive to look forward to the spectacle.” [links]
F1’s managing director of motorsports Ross Brawn says the changes are welcomed by the sport, given they have the intention of improving the on-track product. here
The most significant changes are at the hairpin that was previously Turn 7, removing the chicane that preceded it and widening the corner to provide an overtaking opportunity. Then the tight sequence of corners at the end of the second DRS zone — the left-right-left of what was Turn 11-12-13 and the following left-hander at Turn 14 — will be replaced by one long, sweeping, banked corner. more
This year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will take place on a new track layout after the Yas Marina Circuit revealed a number of changes it will make to try and improve racing at the venue.
Abu Dhabi has been the scene of the season finale in Formula 1 since 2014, while it also hosted the final round on its first two appearances on the calendar in 2009 and 2010. While a spectacular venue, it has rarely produced many good racing opportunities and so the track layout will be changed to try and address the issue.
The first changes to the track, which F1 has raced at since it opened in 2009, are likely to significantly reduce lap times. Lewis Hamilton established the course record during qualifying for the 2019 race with a best lap of 1’34.779. here
The circuit, situated on the purpose-built island of Yas, has been the venue of the final race of the season every year since 2014. However drivers have regularly described it as one of the most difficult circuits to overtake on.
The image above, produced by RaceFans, reflects the changes which are being made to the track. Turns four, five and six will be replaced with a single left-handed hairpin, leading drivers onto the first back straight. [links]
Major changes are being made to two sections of the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi ahead of the Formula 1 season finale in December.
Later in the lap the current turns 11, 12, 13 and 14 will be replaced with a single, sweeping left-hand curve. This will also be slightly banked.
The world’s largest indoor theme park, the 86,000m2 Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is another instantly recognizable Yas Island landmark, especially when viewed from the sky. Resembling a giant octopus, the massive red roof of the complex – complete with a super-size version of the marque’s prancing horse logo – is the largest space frame structure ever built. A regular winner in world tourism awards, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi features static displays, cinemas and a variety of rides dedicated to the famous Italian car brand, including Formula Rossa, the fastest rollercoaster in the world. here
The second Formula 1 track to be built in the Middle East, following Bahrain, Yas Marina Circuit was designed by Hermann Tilke and opened in 2009 ahead of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The technologically-advanced circuit features five fully-covered grandstands, a 227-berth marina and the first hotel built over a Formula 1 circuit.
The beating heart of trackside nightlife, Yas Marina comes alive with superyacht parties on race weekend. With 227 wet berths catering to yachts up to 175m long, many of the world’s most impressive superyachts converge on Yas Marina for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend. Away from the yachts, Yas Marina also boasts some of the most exclusive places to see and be seen on race weekend, including the popular bar and nightclub Iris, Italian restaurant Cipriani’s and Stars ‘N’ Bars, a local outpost of the American-themed diner founded in Monaco. [links]
The Formula 1 circuit at Yas Marina measures 5.554km and has 21 turns, including a 1173 metre back straight – the second longest straight on the current calendar. The circuit can also function as two independent tracks measuring 3.15 and 2.36km respectively, and additional circuit configurations are available.
Yas Marina Circuit has hosted the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix every year since 2009. The final race of the season for much of its existence, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has hosted several championship showdowns, notably in 2010 when four drivers were still in contention for the driver’s title. Sebastian Vettel won that race, securing his maiden title by just four points from Fernando Alonso. Double points were awarded for the first and only time in 2014 when Lewis Hamilton took his first World Championship for Mercedes from teammate Nico Rosberg – the tables were turned two years later when Rosberg clinched the title for Mercedes, then promptly announced his retirement from the sport. Lewis Hamilton is the most successful driver at Yas Marina Circuit, with five victories.
So, whether you want to experience the thrill of go-karting with your family, test the limits at over 200km/hour in an Aston Martin GT4, earn your racing licence, get fit with friends, take part in one of many sporting events, or do business with track-side views, Yas Marina Circuit is the Meeting Place of Champions.
This popular sporting and entertainment venue is considered one of the best grand circuits hosting events on the F1™ calendar, with five main stands for spectators along the track. Abu Dhabi Hill, opposite the North Grandstand, also offers fans open grass banks on which to sit and watch the action. [links]
Launched in 2009 to host the Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit is still one of the UAE's most epic motorsports, sporting and business venues. Created to elevate Abu Dhabi's status as a world-class sporting destination, this impressive mega-budget circuit draws travellers from around the world.
On top of an extensive year-round programme of professional and grassroots motorsports and sporting events and experiences, the circuit has emerged as a thriving hub for entertainment and community events in the UAE. As the region's most technologically advanced facility, the circuit is a leading MICE venue, regularly hosting a diverse range of corporate meetings, conferences and events. here
Winding its way around the beautiful Yas Marina, this ultramodern race track not only offers a bespoke and captivating racing spectacle, but also extensive year-round professional and grassroots motorsports, as well as other sporting events and experiences. Think kart racing at Yas Kartzone, drag racing at Yas Drag Night, walking, running and cycling as part of the TrainYAS and GoYAS by Daman ActiveLife programmes, racing training at Yas Racing School, or corporate events in fully equipped Yas Central meeting rooms.
This unique F1 circuit, on our Yas Island entertainment destination, is open for business and can accommodate any size of event from large-scale banquets, conferences and exhibitions all the way through to small private parties with flexible venues that are supported by a turnkey event delivery team. All the facilities needed to a host a Grand Prix – one of the world’s biggest sporting events – can be quickly transformed into a world-class venue for business and entertainment. With beautiful, landscaped grounds, unrivalled facilities and over 2,000 hotel rooms on its door step, Yas Marina Circuit has everything you’d expect in a leading meetings venue.