Schedule and grandstand information for the 2016 Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

The 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is scheduled for 5pm on Sunday, November 27. Christopher Pike / The National

The schedule for the 2016 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as well as information on the grandstands where you can watch the action unfold.

FORMULA 1 SCHEDULE

Friday, November 25

• First practice: 1-2.30pm

The first chance for the cars to get familiar with the 5.5km Yas Marina Circuit. Conditions will be dusty so do not expect times to be too quick early on.

• Second practice 5-6.30pm

Teams will spend the first 40 minutes or so working on low fuel times and setting fast times. They will then work on heavy fuel set-up work for race simulation scenarios, so do not be alarmed if your favourite driver is suddenly four to five seconds slower than he was before.

• Abu Dhabi Grand Prix microsite: All you need for race weekend in one place

Saturday, November 26

• Final practice: 2-3pm

The last chance for the drivers and teams to get their set-ups for the weekend sorted, before the last few minutes will be spent doing qualification simulation runs.

• Qualifying 5-6pm

Split into three parts, this is the session that will decide the grid for the race. The first 18-minute period will see the slowest six cars eliminated, and they will start 17th to 22nd. The second period, lasting 15 minutes, will end with another six cars missing the cut, and they will be 11th to 16th. The final 12 minutes is the top-10 shoot-out, with the quickest driver beginning from pole position.

Sunday, November 27

• Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: 5pm (55 laps or maximum two hours in length)

The 55-lap race that will decide the destiny of the Formula One drivers’ title. Nico Rosberg holds a 12-point lead over Mercedes-GP teammate Lewis Hamilton going into the race. Tyre suppliers Pirelli were confident before the weekend of the race being a two-stopper on pit strategy. The race should last around 90 to 100 minutes.

GP2 AND GP3 SERIES SCHEDULE

Friday

• GP3 Series practice, 10am

• GP2 Series practice, 11.15am

• GP3 Series qualifying, 3.10pm

• Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk, 3.45pm

• GP2 Series qualifying, 7.10pm

Saturday

• Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk, 11am

• GP3 Series first race, 12.25pm

• Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk, 3.05pm

• GP2 Series first race, 6.40pm

Sunday

• GP3 Series second race, 1pm

• GP2 Series second race, 2.20pm

• Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk, 3.15pm

WHERE TO WATCH

Main Grandstand

The starts have so often dictated Formula One races in 2016 and the short run up to Turn 1 should be no different at Yas Marina Circuit. Race-goers will also get to see the various strategies unfold in front of them as the pit stops take place, with Pirelli expecting most teams to pit at least twice. Ticket-holders in the Main Grandstand will also get to see the podium ceremony when the man who has prevailed after 55 laps of racing stands on the top step of the podium celebrates their success.

Abu Dhabi Hill

The standing area at the track, situated on the outside of Turn 3, gives the chance to watch F1 cars at their best. The cars will be going flat out, reaching speeds close to 250kph, as they change direction, and it gives spectators a chance to witness the aerodynamic grip of the modern machines.

West Grandstand

The West Grandstand is at the end of the long back straight that runs in to Turn 8 and there should be plenty of overtaking on view here as drivers exploit the DRS [Drag Reduction System] to put on a late braking move.

South Grandstand

A popular seating spot as, since 2011 when DRS was brought into F1, lots of overtaking, collisions and incidents have happened down at Turn 11, which is overlooked by the South Grandstand. Turn 11 comes at the end of the track’s second DRS spot and remains one of best chances for drivers to gain track position.

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