The first Yas Marina Circuit race outside the F1 weekend was confirmed today, with a V8 Supercars event to take place next February. The circuit on Yas Island will host the opening race of the next championship of the Australian racing series on the weekend of February 18 to 20. Richard Cregan, the CEO of Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management, who operate the circuit, said: "Our mandate at ADMM is to develop Yas Marina Circuit into a regional and international centre of motorsport excellence. "These are cars that we all see on the streets of Abu Dhabi, everyday. On the track, spectators and viewers will witness some of the most sensational wheel-to-wheel racing imaginable." Tony Cochrane, the executive chairman of V8 Supercars Australia, said, "By adding Abu Dhabi to the 2010 calendar, the agreement further promotes the United Arab Emirates as a fantastic motorsport destination." The inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will take place on November 1, with three support races scheduled for the same weekend.