Yas Marina Circuit has announced the completion of track renovation work ahead of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, aimed at enhancing the overall race experience for drivers and spectators alike.

 

The changes will be highlighted during the 13th edition of the F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021 where the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen will battle it out in closer wheel-to-wheel racing around the new 5.28km track. 

 

A shorter, faster lap and more overtaking potential will offer fans more action across the race. 

 

Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management said the restructuring took place in three key areas of the track – North Hairpin, South Marina and around the Hotel section. 

 

One of the driving factors behind the changes was to increase the average speed and wheel-to-wheel racing around the track to have increased opportunities for drivers to overtake, benefiting the overall motorsport spectacle, for the drivers and fans, it stated. 

 

Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management Deputy CEO Saif Al Noaimi said: "It’s an incredible moment in history for Yas Marina Circuit. These are the first upgrades to the track since the circuit was first constructed in 2009, since then Formula One cars, along with others in our fleets, have evolved in their design and performance and as such, we are committed to progressing with them to offer the ultimate racing experience across the events held at the Circuit."

 

"The changes will amplify the competitive nature of all motorsports events held at the venue but, with it right around the corner, we are of course especially excited to see how the action unfolds on the new circuit layout during next month’s season finale F1," stated Al Noaimi.

 

The sequence of changes across the three sections will have a cumulative effect and enhance motorsports events hosted at the venue for both drivers and spectators alike. 

 

Drivers will now test their skills behind the wheel and the skills of their opponents by giving them a new opportunity to overtake, he added.

 

Mark Hughes, Managing Director of Mrk1 Consulting, track design consultants, said: "After almost a year of planning with Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management, it’s amazing to see the designs come to life over the past few months."

 

"Yas Marina Circuit is already one of the most modern and impressive Formula 1 tracks in the world, and these enhancements will ensure spectators in attendance will see a wealth of entertainment across all motorsports disciplines moving forward, as well as providing exhilarating racing for those on the track," he added.