Yas Marina Circuit

The Yas Marina Circuit is the venue for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The circuit was designed by Hermann Tilke, and is situated on Yas Island, about 30 minutes from the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi. Yas Marina is the second Formula One track in the Middle East, with the first being in Bahrain. A two day GP2 Asia Series test was held to officially open the circuit, which was held a week before the 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. It also hosted the opening event for the Australian V8 Supercars series, the Yas V8 400, in February 2010.

Reception:
After the first practice sessions at the 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the circuit was welcomed by the drivers, with Nico Rosberg commenting that every corner was 'unique', while double World Champion Fernando Alonso echoed his sentiments, stating that it was enjoyable because there was always something to do. Force India's Adrian Sutil rated the circuit as being better than Formula One's other night race in Singapore as he felt there was too much light at Marina Bay. Not all of the drivers were complimentary, with Giancarlo Fisichella expressing a particular dislike of the pit exit, which dips under the main circuit by way of a tunnel. Although the pit exit remained free of incidents for the early practice sessions, Fisichella claimed that it was both very difficult and dangerous.

• Major events: FIA Formula One
• Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
• GP2 Asia Series, V8 Supercars,
• Drag Racing, GT1 World

Grand Prix Circuit

• Length: 5.554 km (3.451 mi)
• Turns: 21
• Lap record: 1:40.279 (Germany Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull Racing, 2009)

Short Circuit

• Length: 4.700 km (2.920 mi)
• Turns: 19
• Lap record: 1:37.656 (France Charles Pic, Addax Team, 2011, GP2 Asia)