Abu Dhabi receives final approval from the FIA

The Abu Dhabi circuit has just received the final go-ahead from the FIA to host its first Formula 1 Grand Prix, following a track inspection by race director Charlie Whiting earlier this week. The planned timelines are perfectly on track for the inaugural Formula 1 event on November 1. The last major hurdle was obtaining the FIA’s final approval and being ready slightly earlier for the GP2 event taking place the same weekend.

Richard Cregan, general manager of Yas Marina Circuit, stated to Autosport that he was satisfied with the progress made in preparing the track. The entire team focused on the first official event on the circuit with a GP2 race before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

« Everything is fine, » he explained. « We have transfers of responsibility, but it’s the normal process to ensure everything is ready. The GP2 is what I call the ‘shakedown’ of the circuit. These are such facilities with so many buildings, so many elements that make up the technicality of this circuit, so it’s essential to take things step by step. The first major step will be the GP2 event, which promises to be fantastic. »

Speaking about Whiting’s final inspection, Cregan said: « Charlie came on Monday and everything he had previously asked for has been done. He also comes here for the GP2 event, which is a great help to us. It will be the first event of this Grand Prix weekend, so it will be a good test to see if the system is in place, if the spectators enjoy it, all those things. »