Located on Yas Island at the gateway to Abu Dhabi, the circuit produces top speeds of 316 km/h (196 mph) on the back straight down to just 70 km/h (43 mph) in the tight hairpin bend at Turn 7. The track has something of a dual personality with the back of the circuit comprising a high-speed straight and high speed curve separated by a tight kink whilst the front of the circuit is a twisty, street circuit-style sector winding its way around the waterside marina. The duality of the race is reflected in its running time with the race starting in the late evening and being completed under floodlights after the sun sets.
Overtaking is difficult although not impossible with the left-right kink at the end of the main straight presenting the best opportunity. Misjudge, the braking zone at this point and uniquely the run-off area disappears under the grandstand.
Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Top speed:
320 km/h (199 mph)
Average speed:
199 km/h (124 mph)
Time at full-throttle:
60%
Time under braking:
14%
Gear changes per lap:
44
Tyre compounds:
Soft / Hard
Tyre wear:
medium
Brake demand:
high
Downforce level:
medium-high
Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Yas Marina may have the layout of a street circuit but it has the surface of a dedicated track. This means that a relatively stiff set-up to optimise aero efficiency can be employed. Abu Dhabi is unique in starting in daylight and being completed after night fall and this produces its own challenges in terms of track temperatures and tyre pressures.
While the tight, twisty nature of the harbour-side half of the circuit points towards a maximum downforce set-up, the two, relatively long straights dictate the way forward with teams wanting to minimise drag in order to defend track position. This leaves drivers with less than ideal levels of downforce through the harbour section, leaving the cars skittish. This is not helped by the circuit's desert location which, like in Bahrain, results in a fine covering of dust on the track surface. Grip levels improve throughout the weekend although the process is hampered by the coastal winds.
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Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Key Points:
Turn 7 - a 180 degree, left-handed hairpin at the start of the main straight. Getting the exit right is vital in order to carry the momentum down the back of the circuit.
Turns 8 and 9 - a tight chicane following on from the fast straight that offers drivers their best chance to pass.
