Yas Marina Circuit

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Yas Marina Circuit
Circuit Yas-Island.svg
Yas Marina Circuit
LocationYas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Time zoneGMT +4
Coordinates24°28′2″N 54°36′11″E / 24.46722°N 54.60306°E / 24.46722; 54.60306Coordinates: 24°28′2″N 54°36′11″E / 24.46722°N 54.60306°E / 24.46722; 54.60306
Capacity60,000
FIA Grade1
OwnerGovernment of Abu Dhabi
OperatorAbu Dhabi Motorsports Management
Broke groundMay 2007
OpenedOctober 2009
Construction cost£800 million[1]
$1.322 billion
€893 million
AED 3.792 billion
ArchitectHermann Tilke
Major eventsFormula One
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (2009–present)
Asian Le Mans Series
(2021)
F3 Asian Championship (2020–present)
Formula 4 UAE Championship (2016–present)
World RX of Abu Dhabi (2019)
V8 Supercars Yas V8 400 (2010-2012)
FIA GT1 World Championship (2010-2011)
GP2 Asia Series, Drag Racing, Gulf 12 Hours, World Triathlon Series
Grand Prix Circuit (2009-2021)
Length5.554 km (3.451 mi)
Turns21
Race lap record1:39.283 (United Kingdom Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 2019, F1)
Corkscrew Circuit (2009-2021)
Length4.730 km (2.939 mi)
Turns19
Race lap record1:37.745 (France Jules Bianchi, Lotus ART, 2011, GP2 Asia)
North Circuit (2009-2021)
Length3.130 km (1.945 mi)
Turns10
Race lap record1:10.027 (United Kingdom Olli Caldwell, , 2018, Formula 4)
South Circuit (2009-2021)
Length2.360 km (1.466 mi)
Turns12
Race lap record59.572 (South Africa Jonathan Aberdein, Team Motopark, 2017, Formula 4)
Websitewww.yasmarinacircuit.com

The Yas Marina Circuit (Arabic: حلبة مرسى ياس) is the venue for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The circuit was designed by Hermann Tilke,[2][3] 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.[4] It also hosted the opening event for the Australian V8 Supercars series, the Yas V8 400, in February 2010.[5][6] Outside motorsport the circuit was used for the final stage of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Tour cycle race in 2015.[7] The circuit has an FIA Grade 1 license.[8]

Design[]

A satellite image of the circuit, as it appeared in 2018

The twenty-one corners twist through Yas Island off the Abu Dhabi coast,[9] passing by the marina and through the Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi designed by New York-based architects Hani Rashid and Lise Anne Couture of Asymptote Architecture with a striking facade lighting design by Rogier van der Heide, and winding its way through several long straights and tight corners.

The marina-based development includes a theme park, a water park, as well as residential areas, hotels and beaches.

The circuit has five grandstand areas (Main Grandstand, West Grandstand, North Grandstand, South Grandstand and Marina Grandstand (aka Support)) and part of its pit lane exit runs underneath the track. It also houses a team building behind the pit building, Media Center, Dragster Track and VIP Tower.[10] Additionally, one of the run-off areas runs underneath the West grandstand.

This is set to change as the current turns 4, 5, and 6 are to be redesigned along with turns 11, 12 and 13 also being reconfigured, ready for the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

  • Seating Capacity – 60.000
  • Area – 161.9 ha
  • Length – 5.5 km
  • Longest straight – 1.14 km (1,246.72 yd)
  • Elevation change – 10.7 m

Construction[]

The circuit was built by main contractor Cebarco-WCT WLL, under contract from developer Aldar Properties. Among the sub-contractors involved were KOH AH HING (KAHBINA) from Malaysia (structural contractor), as well as specialised subcontractors like Voltas (MEP), PKE-Siemens (MEP), Able-Middle East (earthworks), Hamilton International (interior) and Bau Bickhardt (track) to name a few.

The circuit was constructed with a permanent lighting system provided by Musco Lighting, similar to that also installed at the Losail Circuit in Qatar. Yas Marina Circuit is the largest permanent sports venue lighting project in the world; previously that title was held by Losail.

The surface of the track is made of graywacke aggregate, shipped to Abu Dhabi from a Bayston Hill quarry in Shropshire, England. The surface material is highly acclaimed by circuit bosses and Formula One drivers for the high level of grip it offers. The same aggregate material is used at the Bahrain International Circuit for the Bahrain Grand Prix.[11]

On 7 October 2009, the circuit was granted final approval to hold Formula One races by the FIA.[12] Bruno Senna was the first driver to complete a test run on the circuit.

GP3 visited Abu Dhabi for the first time at the end of the 2013 season.[13]

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',[14] 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.[citation needed]

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.[14] Kimi Räikkönen notoriously gave his thoughts on the circuit, stating "the first few turns are quite good, but the rest of it is shit".[15]

After the 2017 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix the designer Hermann Tilke said that they were considering making changes to the track to present more overtaking opportunities.[16] In June 2021, Saif Al Noaimi, acting CEO Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management, said modifications to the track's layout had been approved, with the modifications expected to be completed in time for the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.[17] Turns 4, 5, and 6 will be replaced by a single hairpin, turns 11 through 14 will be replaced by a sweeping banked curve, and turns 18 through 20 will be made less tight to allow more speed to be carried through them.[18][19]

Lap records[]

The official fastest lap records at the Yas Marina Circuit are listed as:

Category Time Driver Vehicle Event
Grand Prix Circuit (2009-2021): 5.554 km
F1 1:39.283 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes AMG F1 W10 EQ Power+ 2019 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
F2 1:50.314 Alexander Albon Dallara GP2/11 2017 Yas Island Formula 2 round
GP2 1:50.749 Sergio Perez Dallara GP2/08 2010 Yas Marina GP2 Series round
LMP2 1:56.560[20] Franco Colapinto Aurus 01 2021 4 Hours of Abu Dhabi Race 4
GP3 1:56.888 Marvin Kirchhöfer Dallara GP3/13 2014 Yas Island GP3 Series round
LMP3 2:05.165[21] Ligier JS P320 2021 4 Hours of Abu Dhabi Race 3
Formula 3 2:07.324[22] Jamie Chadwick Tatuus F.3 T-318 2019-20 F3 Asian Championship Yas Marina Round
GT1 2:07.376[23] Thomas Mutsch Matech Ford GT1 2010 FIA GT1 Abu Dhabi round
Formula Renault Eurocup 2:08.720 Victor Martins Tatuus FR-19 2019 Formula Renault Eurocup Yas Island round
GT3 2:08.791[20] Ben Barnicoat McLaren 720S GT3 2021 4 Hours of Abu Dhabi Race 4
Formula 4 2:11.046[24] Charles Weerts Tatuus F4-T014 2017–18 3rd Abu Dhabi Formula 4 UAE round
V8 Supercars 2.13.160[25] Jamie Whincup Holden VE Commodore 2012 Yas Marina Circuit V8 Supercar Event
GT4 2:21.240[26] Olli Caldwell Mercedes-AMG GT4 2018 Gulf 12 Hours
Short (Corkscrew) Circuit (2009-2021): 4.730 km
GP2 Asia 1:37.745 Jules Bianchi Dallara GP2/11 2011 Yas Marina Circuit GP2 Asia Series round
GT1 1:52.431[27] Maxime Martin Matech Ford GT1 2011 FIA GT1 Abu Dhabi round
Formula 3 1:53.432[28] Jehan Daruvala Tatuus F.3 T-318 2021 F3 Asian Championship 1st Yas Marina Round
Formula 4 1:57.198[29] Tatuus F4-T014 2021 2nd Abu Dhabi Formula 4 UAE round
V8 Supercars 1:57.740 Jason Bargwanna Holden VE Commodore 2011 Yas V8 400
North Circuit (2009-2021): 3.130 km
Formula 4 1:10.027[30] Olli Caldwell Tatuus F4-T014 2017–18 2nd Abu Dhabi Formula 4 UAE round
South Circuit (2009-2021): 2.360 km
Formula 4 59.572[31] Jonathan Aberdein Tatuus F4-T014 2016-17 3rd Abu Dhabi Formula 4 UAE round

Gallery[]

  • Turn 7

  • The main straight

  • World RX layout of Yas Marina Circuit, used in 2019

  • Grand Prix Circuit (2009-2021)

  • North circuit and south circuit layouts shown in GP circuit track map (2009-2021)

  • An anticlockwise course with roughly fifteen or sixteen corners whose pit lane entrance is located on the right hand side of the final turn and exit is located on the left hand side of the third corner

    The revised layout proposed for the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ "Yas Marina aiming for an 'excellent event'". PlanetF1.com. 29 October 2009. Archived from the original on 1 November 2009.
  2. ^ "Tilke GmbH – Projects – Category". tilke-ac.de. 29 October 2009. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
  3. ^ "Yas Marina Circuit construction progressing". gulfnews.com. 29 October 2009. Archived from the original on 29 January 2009. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
  4. ^ "GP2 race will officially open Yas Marina Circuit". Gulf News. Al Nisr Publishing. 12 August 2009. Archived from the original on 15 August 2009. Retrieved 12 August 2009.
  5. ^ "Motorsport: Middle Eastern double-header for V8 Supercars". nzherald.co.nz. 29 October 2009. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
  6. ^ "Abu Dhabi start confirmed". v8supercars.com.au. 29 October 2009. Archived from the original on 14 September 2009. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
  7. ^ "Chaves wins inaugural Abu Dhabi Tour". cyclingnews.com. 11 October 2015. Retrieved 11 October 2015.
  8. ^ "LIST OF FIA LICENSED CIRCUITS" (PDF). FIA. 6 February 2015. Retrieved 28 May 2015.
  9. ^ "Motorsport: Abu Dhabi debut marks F1 driver shake-up". nzherald.co.nz. 29 October 2009. Retrieved 30 October 2009.[dead link]
  10. ^ "Abu Dhabi breaks cover". Autosport. 194 (4): 10. October 2008.
  11. ^ "BBC: Shropshire's Formula 1 Connection". British Broadcasting Corporation. 30 October 2009. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
  12. ^ Noble, Jonathan (9 October 2009). "Abu Dhabi track gets final FIA approval". Autosport. Retrieved 9 October 2009.
  13. ^ "Yas Marina chief Richard Cregan expects 'quality' weekend for 2013 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix - The National". thenational.ae. Archived from the original on 26 May 2013. Retrieved 30 June 2016.
  14. ^ Jump up to: a b Jonathan Noble and Jamie O'Leary (30 October 2009). "Drivers praise Abu Dhabi circuit". Autosport.com. Retrieved 31 October 2009.
  15. ^ "Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - prologue". motorsportmagazine.com. 31 October 2013. Archived from the original on 20 January 2016. Retrieved 8 September 2014.
  16. ^ "Abu Dhabi GP F1 track could be changed to improve overtaking". Sky Sports. Retrieved 28 November 2017.
  17. ^ "Abu Dhabi approves new layout plan for F1 track to improve racing". Autosport. 21 June 2021. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
  18. ^ "REVEALED: The track changes aimed at improving overtaking at Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina Circuit". Formula 1. 24 June 2021. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  19. ^ Williams-Smith, Jake (22 June 2021). "Yas Marina set for circuit changes to aid overtaking at F1 finale". Motor Sport magazine. Retrieved 6 July 2021.
  20. ^ Jump up to: a b "4 Hours of Abu Dhabi Best laptimes per driver - Race 4" (PDF). Retrieved 12 March 2021.
  21. ^ "4 Hours of Abu Dhabi Best laptimes per driver - Race 3" (PDF). Retrieved 12 March 2021.
  22. ^ "2019-20 F3 Asian Championship Round 3 Race 7 Results". Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  23. ^ "FIA GT1 World Championship Abu Dhabi 2010". Retrieved 3 April 2021.
  24. ^ "Yas Racing Series - Round 3 Race 1 Final Results" (PDF). Retrieved 17 May 2021.
  25. ^ "2012 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi V8 Grand Prix #3". Retrieved 10 May 2021.
  26. ^ "8th Gulf 12 Hours 2018 Part 2 Fastest Lap Times of All Drivers" (PDF). Retrieved 17 May 2021.
  27. ^ "FIA GT1 World Championship Abu Dhabi 2011". Retrieved 3 April 2021.
  28. ^ "2021 F3 Asian Championship Round 2 Race 1 Results". Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  29. ^ "Formula 4 UAE 4-7 February 2021 Race 3 Final Results" (PDF). Retrieved 17 May 2021.
  30. ^ "Yas Motor Racing Club Jan 2018 Formula 4 UAE Race 2 Final Results" (PDF). Retrieved 17 May 2021.
  31. ^ "Yas Motor Racing Club 9-11 March Formula 4 UAE Race 1 Final Results" (PDF). Retrieved 17 May 2021.

External links[]

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