People's Circuit

Myteamcar - Formula One's latest circuit - the Yas Marina circuit, built on a man-made island in Abu Dhabi - has earned praises from former and current dirvers.

Designed by renowned Formula One track architect Herman Tilke, the man who drew up the plans for Sepang F1 Circuit, the latest F1 venue in the United Arab Emirate will host its debut race, the 17th and final race of the season from 30th Oct - 1st Nov.

Abu Dhabi will be the second Middle East country to host an F1 race after Bahrain.

Former Red Bull driver David Coulthard has reportedly regretted his decision to retire after talking a look at the model of the 5.5km circuit while Finland's former world champion Kimi Raikkkonen, not one to get excited easily, can't wait for the race to start after a recent tour.

Part of a US$40bil development project bankrolled by Abu Dhabi's rulling elite and Aldar, a partly government-backed developer, the Yas Marina circuit is touted as a people's circuit.

The estimated 50,000 spectators for the inaugural race can expect nothing but first-class comfort.

Every single grandstand seat will be under cover, a world's first. It is part of the organisers' strategy to put people first, regardless of whether they are spectators, team, media or corporate guests. In fact every seat on the circuit has a special view of the race.

Spectators in the North Grandstand will enjoy an arena atmoshpere at the hairpin, while those in the South Grandstand have one of the greatest panoramas in motorsport, looking out over the 500-room Yas Marina Hotel and a stunning view of the harbour.

Yes, you read correctly. The Yas Marina will be the only circuit in the world where a five-star hotel straddles the track.

Yas Marina Hotel guests will have access to the paddock through a purpose-built footbridge and their own entrance to the circuit.

The circuit is similar to the Valencia track in the sense that it will feature a harbour front section using public roads and will present Formula One drivers with another exciting track to conquer.

Plans have been made for the 2015 season to feature a Ferrari theme park, golf courses and a retail park.

Source: thestar.com.my