JULY 17, 2007

Abu Dhabi getting to work

Work is pushing ahead for the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Yas Island. The circuit website continues to count down to February 1 2009 and there is still much to be done on the 6300-acre island. The marina area is already being excavated and the foundations for the pit buildings are underway. The marina will be able to accommodate 150 yachts including 20 that are more than 100ft long and six 200-footers.

The track itself will feature two sections: a non-permanent street section around the harbour and then a high-speed permanent track in a parkland setting. This will have elevation changes of 10m and there should be at least three overtaking spots. The construction for the Hermann Tilke design will be done by Bahrain's Cebarco-WCT, a joint venture between Bahrain and and Malaysian construction firm WCT Engineering. The company will build the track and all the associated buildings. WCT has been involved with the construction of both the Bahrain and Malaysian F1 tracks. The circuit is scheduled for completion by December 31 2008.

Yas Island will also feature a Ferrari theme park, hotels, golf courses and a large shopping area.