Oliver White
Bernie Ecclestone has officially announced that Abu Dhabi will hold a Grand Prix event in 2009, and the cars will race on a Hermann Tilke circuit, due to be built on a small island just off the coast. This announcement comes just prior to Formula One Festival, an event organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, which will run on a specially designed four-kilometre street along the cities waterfront.
We are delighted to welcome Abu Dhabi to the Formula One family and look forward to a long and successful partnership. Abu Dhabi’s hospitality the genuine warmth of its people, and ever increasing number of world class facilities, will ensure that its round of the World Championship is a wonderful addition to the calendar. Bernie Ecclestone.
A Formula One Grand Prix is is one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events, in the same category as an Olympic Games or World Cup, and is unrivalled in terms of continuous global resonance. That is why this new partnership is such an exciting one for Abu Dhabi and the entire UAE.
His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Spectators will enjoy high speed action played out on three distinct sections of the 5.6km circuit, including high speed areas ending in tight overtaking turns, a street section and a marina section. Each section of the circuit combines to deliver an unrivalled viewing experience. His Excellency, Khaldoon Al Mubarak.
‘High speed areas ending in tight overtaking turns…’ Typical Tilke by the sounds of it.
Photos courtesy of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Have you seen the map of the circuit yet? http://www.abudhabigp.com/english/the_circuit.aspx Very street cricuit-esque with all of those 90 degree turns. This is something a bit different from Tilke.
Yes, different, but unfortunately in my mind Tilke has now got a bit of a reputation. It actually reminds me a little of the old Phoenix street circuit, with a couple more kinks in it.