Abu Dhabi Secures F1 Race
F1 has continued its expansion into the Middle East after Formula One Management
announced a deal for Abu Dhabi to host a Grand Prix from the 2009 season.
The United Arab Emirates capital follows Bahrain in securing a spot on the F1
calendar and places further pressure on the established European circuits
retaining their hosting rights.
The announcement regarding the Abu Dhabi deal was made during the first-ever
Abu Dhabi F1 Festival this weekend which featured the largest gathering of
current Formula One drivers and cars ever assembled outside of a Grand Prix.
The 2009 Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix track is being constructed by ALDAR
Properties, a UAE property development company, and designed by F1 circuit
designer Hermann Tilke.
Already under construction, the track is situated on a 2,550 hectare, natural
leisure island, Yas Island, situated on the east coast of Abu Dhabi close to Abu
Dhabi International Airport.
