Abu Dhabi GP: Yas Marina Circuit upgrades on schedule for October reopening

New configuration to facilitate more overtaking opportunities and high-speed battles

Upgrades are being carried out at the Yas Marina Circuit. Courtesy Yas Marina Circuit

The reconfiguration of the track at Yas Marina Circuit is moving along as planned with a third of the work completed ahead of its October reopening.

The work in progress is a crucial marker for Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management (ADMM) as preparations continue for the 13th Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

According to Ali Al Beshir, circuit operations director of Yas Marina Circuit, the asphalt has been removed from three key areas of the track, setting the stage for the new layout to be crafted.

“We are really delighted and excited to see the upgrades progressing through the stages,” he said.

“The team are working exceptionally hard, and we already have the demolition of the asphalt completed, along with the removal of lights and barriers from the key sections.

The upgrades are set to enhance motorsports events hosted at the venue for both drivers and spectators alike.

Mark Hughes, managing director of Mrk1 Consultants and consultant on the project, said the Yas Marina Circuit and ADMM have taken on board the feedback from fans and drivers.

“The project is a huge undertaking, nobody should underestimate the effort that goes into this,” he added.

“They’re doing it for the benefits of the fans both in the grandstand and watching on TV by creating faster wheel-to-wheel racing and more opportunities to overtake for more thrilling races. It’s massively exciting.”

From Formula One stars like Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, to the general public, thousands of drivers have tested their skills around the Yas Marina Circuit track and they’ll now have a new challenge to face.

Spectators wishing to attend the race, which takes place on December 9-12, can now look forward to a whole new experience, with drivers enjoying more opportunities to overtake, with modifications to the track providing additional avenues for exciting high-speed battles.