ABU DHABI // Organisers of the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix yesterday emphasised its importance by comparing it to hosting the World Cup or the Olympics every year. They also revealed details of the Yas Marina Circuit, including artists' impressions showing the racetrack snaking through a hotel and views from the grandstand. The final design was announced last night by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, before more than 300 dignitaries, officials and media at Emirates Palace hotel. Khaldoon al Mubarak, chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority and of Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management (ADMM), which is organising the race, said he was convinced the event would put the capital into the world spotlight. He said the track had been "conceived, designed and was currently being built according to the particular needs of the city in which it belongs". "I cannot emphasise enough the importance of this event for this country," he said. "This is the epitome of sports and I think that being part of this and launching this next year and having Abu Dhabi out there for the global audience is absolutely tremendous. It's like having the World Cup or the Olympics every year. "It is a lot of preparation and a lot of work, but we are going to be ready and we are going to deliver to the world a statement as to how we can organise and put together world-class events." With a potential television audience of as many as 55 million people - or more, because the race is next year's finale and could decide the championship - the feeling is that Abu Dhabi will get more media exposure than ever before. About 50,000 people are expected to attend the event on Nov 15 2009, a modest number by Formula One standards, but one that could increase during the seven years Abu Dhabi will host races. For Mr Mubarak, bringing Formula One to Abu Dhabi is a labour of love. Enlisted as the chief negotiator between the Abu Dhabi Government and Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone, it was an opportunity for the passionate fan to get an inside line on his favourite sport. Mr Mubarak attended the Grand Prix in Montreal this year and regrets the Canadian race will not be on next year's calendar. And he compared Abu Dhabi to the new upstarts on the starting grid. "There is a heritage and history there that has to be given respect. I have the highest respect for some of these historic tracks. "But I am also a pragmatist. Just as you see drivers grow old, even the champions, you know at one point they are no longer competitive. "If you stick with it, you are hurting the sport ultimately. You need to give a chance to the Hamiltons and the Vettels of this world." It does not mean that, when Schumacher retires, that you forget him. But in the best interests of the sport, you need to continue to revitalise it and get the best out of it. And that comes only with opportunity." Yas Marina will be the first circuit to have a marina built as part of the track and the first to travel through a hotel, with one of the longest straight stretches and some of the best views of any circuit. From a driver's perspective, Philippe Gurdjian, ADMM's chief executive, said it would be among the most exciting in the calendar, with a mixture of tight turns and scenic stretches. "As soon as I started working on it, I wanted to make something special, something unique, that you just could not compare with anything in the world. I think we have that." The race will also boast a distinctive Arabic flavour in a manner considered missing from the Bahrain race. The main grandstand is designed in the style of an Arab tent, and the colours of the UAE flag will adorn the track and one of the VIP buildings. Mr Mubarak, who was "sick of hiding" the designs, said: "I am confident it is going to click with everyone." There is something different with almost every aspect of this project - something new, something unique and something that will set a new benchmark for motorsport racing. There is a possibility that Abu Dhabi's race will be even more distinctive by following the lead of the Singapore Grand Prix by being run at night. The track is being built with the capacity to host night races or other events, though organisers have yet to decide on whether Abu Dhabi will be a floodlit race. Sources have indicated that it is more likely that next year's race will be held in daylight. Mr Mubarak said: "Like everything Abu Dhabi does, we are going to do it right. It is going to be unique, it is going to be setting a standard and it is going to be for the long term." rhughes@thenational.ae
Abu Dhabi GP track promises unique event
Organisers compare event to the World Cup or the Olympics as they unveiled details of the 5.6km-long Yas Marina Circuit.
Most popular today
