F1 says Yas to Abu Dhabi
So the Formula One World Championship has come to a close on a debut track at Yas Marina.
Unfortunately for the UAE capital, there was no opportunity to crown a World Champion less than two hours into it’s F1 history.
The Marina and space-age Yas Hotel did provide an amazing backdrop to the race as F1 venues become more like something out of Speed Racer, with the night race in Singapore in particular creating a spectacular scene away from the asphalt.
The iconic Yas Marina Hotel straddles the circuit
As mentioned in the BBC commentary today, a blend of old and new venues now has to be met. Fantastic new venues such as Yas Marina, which the cost has to be measured in Abu Dhabi terms (about two Manchester City transfer windows since you asked) do create something new (and commercial) for F1 to tap into and keep the sport interesting – because, well, it’s not been that much of an eventful year in F1?
It is fortunate that such venues can offset a wet Sunday on the Northamptonshire/Buckinghamshire border. Traditional race circuits with legendary corners and special atmospheres will still be core to F1′s following as places like Turkey might require a little more time to bed in…
Of the coming and go-ing of circuits this season and faff regarding the British Grand Prix, no one ever seems to mention that Spain constantly sneeks in two races every season and few bat an eyelid?
Anyway, a bumper season next year will follow as a 19 race championship welcomes back Canada and introduces South Korea to the mad world of motor sport.
South Korea does look particularly interesting. Going on this visual, it looks like race will run through some sort of coastal adult community and any early retirements from the drivers themselves on race day can always fit in a few holes of golf on the course next to the circuit.
Anyway, the Arabian Gulf is now fully integrated and off and running in the world of F1 – i’m sure Bernie is scouting Oman as we speak…
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