• Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Abu Dhabi confirms circuit changes

Abu Dhabi drew criticism after a lack of overtaking last year © Sutton Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News:
• Abu Dhabi not sure circuit changes are necessary
  
• News:
• Todt blames dull circuits for contributing to TV decline
  

• Circuits:
• Yas Marina Circuit

Changes to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix circuit have been given the go-ahead, chief executive Richard Cregan has confirmed.

The planned alterations follow criticism that the 2010 finale at Yas Marina Circuit was a processional affair with no clear overtaking opportunities. "Races like Abu Dhabi in 2010, where you cannot overtake, are not acceptable," FIA president Jean Todt said.

The potential layout changes were discussed during meetings at Sepang between Cregan and F1 officials. He confirmed that changes between turns 6 and 9 (the approach to the hairpin at the bottom of the circuit and the long back straight that follows ahead of a left-right chicane) will be made before November's penultimate round of the 2011 championship.

But Cregan insisted that the changes have not been requested due to flaws with the original layout. "We spoke with Charlie Whiting and he spoke with the drivers and they actually had very few issues with the circuit," he said.

Meanwhile, it has been decided that some seating will be demolished at the venue of the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos to make room for more run-off. The changes are in reaction to the recent death of Brazilian stock car driver Gustavo Sonderman.

© ESPN EMEA Ltd.

Feeds: ESPN Staff

• Email
• Feedback
• Print

Email

Products you might like at espnshop.co.uk

Search