Formula One Management on Saturday morning confirmed that Abu Dhabi will host its first grand prix in 2009.
As the sport’s biggest names congregated in the Middle Eastern emirate for a street demonstration of F1 cars, Bernie Ecclestone told reporters that he had penned a minimally seven year deal with the Abu Dhabi government.
A purpose built circuit, also including distinct street and “marine” sections, will be built on man-made Yas Island, which is just off the east coast of Abu Dhabi and also the scene for a future Ferrari-themed theme park.
An FOM statement revealed that the track, already under construction, will be penned “by renowned formula one circuit designer Hermann Tilke.”
Among those on hand for this weekend’s Abu Dhabi event are Kimi Raikkonen, Fernando Alonso, Ralf Schumacher, Rubens Barrichello, Flavio Briatore, Nick Fry, Gerhard Berger, Aguri Suzuki and Christian Horner.
For the street demonstration on Saturday, runners roared around a temporary barrier-lined city circuit, above which were banners proclaiming “Abu Dhabi 2009”.
GMMF1
DailyF1News.com
