A new perspective on F1

The former Formula One driver David Coulthard races around Abu Dhabi's new F1 circuit hundreds of feet in the air.

Retired British Formula One driver David Coulthard was flown above the Yas Marina Circuit.

ABU DHABI // The former Formula One driver David Coulthard raced around the capital's new F1 circuit yesterday - but he was hundreds of feet in the air. The Scot, who retired from driving last year after a 14-year career in F1, was piloted around the Yas Marina Circuit in one of the racing planes to be used in this weekend's Red Bull Air Race. Coulthard, who ended his career racing for the Red Bull F1 team, was accompanied by the Austrian pilot Hannes Arch, who will race this weekend for the new Abu Dhabi air race team. Photos confirmed that most of the track at the circuit, which will host its first Grand Prix on Nov 1, is now laid, with roofs in place on the two grandstands near the start-finish straight. [e-mail]