Situated on Yas Island near the capital of the United Arab Emirates, the Yas Marina Circuit plays host to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The circuit was designed by modern F1 circuit designer Hermann Tilke and is one of four Formula One tracks in the Middle East, the others being in Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
Yas Marina Circuit
| First Grand Prix | 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix |
| Number of Laps | 58 |
| Circuit Length | 5.281km |
| Race Distance | 306.183 km |
| Lap Record | 1:26.103 Max Verstappen (2021) |
Circuit
When was the Yas Marina Circuit built?
The development of Yas Island as a thriving tourist destination was announced in 2006, with particular emphasis placed on the creation of a 5.5km race track. This project, known as the Yas Marina Circuit, began in May 2007 and was fully completed by October 2009. On 7 October 2009, Formula One races were granted by the FIA and the first test run on the circuit was completed by driver Bruno Senna, nephew of the late Ayrton Senna, three-time Formula One world champion.
The circuit features a permanent lighting system, similar to that of the Losail International Circuit in Qatar and a track surface, which was shipped all the way from the Bayston Hill quarry in Shropshire, England. It was chosen in favour of other materials as it provided the track with an unrivalled grip and has given F1 fans unique races due to the higher rate of tyre wear. The same material is also used at the Bahrain International Circuit for the Bahrain Grand Prix.
The track, designed by Hermann Tilke, boasts a 1.2km straight stretching between Turns 5 and 6. With slow-speed corners on either end, it presents an exciting opportunity for drivers to make daring overtakes. The circuit also features a challenging sequence of Turns at 10, 11, and 12, which demand heavy braking.
When was the first Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?
The 2009 Formula 1 season finale featured the debut of the Abu Dhabi track.
After the initial practice sessions at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, drivers expressed their positive impressions of the circuit. Nico Rosberg found each corner to be unique, while Fernando Alonso noted the enjoyable challenge of constantly staying alert. Adrian Sutil even ranked Abu Dhabi higher than Singapore’s night race, as he found that race to be too bright.
The 2009 finale saw Sebastian Vettel claim victory over his Red Bull teammate, Mark Webber and the reigning champion, Jenson Button.
The following year, Vettel secured his first title at the same venue, the first of four eventual Driver’s Championships.
Yas Marina Circuit lap record
The official lap record for the current F1 Grand Prix circuit layout is 1:26.103, set by Max Verstappen during the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
