Abu Dhabi wins unanimous praise in the press

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2009 was not only the last event of the year. It was also the first to be held there, in the United Arab Emirates. And as usual in the land of black gold, heavy artillery was brought out to ensure the success of the first Abu Dhabi GP in Formula 1 history. It’s truly a war. A war among Sunset countries, a war to see who will have the best infrastructure, a war for the image of the country broadcasted in front of millions of Formula 1 enthusiasts simultaneously around the world. Because if Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, Singapore, and Qatar are fighting for F1, it is because it represents an extraordinary opportunity for these countries where financial investments and oil are the only tools of work.

This war may shock more than one. But Formula 1 this weekend could only be astonished by such ease. Modern design is making its mark in F1, and the press (specialized or not) is applauding, if not admiring, the effort involved.

These are the team leaders and drivers who are the first to be charmed: « I think this circuit is just incredible, simply put. The bar has been set very high for some time and since we’ve been racing in Singapore too. Ecclestone wanted to moderate our enthusiasm in Singapore. He said ‘wait until we go to Abu Dhabi before judging Singapore’. I understand why now…This country and this circuit are stunning. It’s hard to realize everything they’ve done for the F1’s arrival! » comments Christian Horner, for Red Bull.

Abu Dhabi is, above all, a new era in F1. The race takes place at dusk, and improvements have been made to make the circuit more appealing. The pit exit tunnel is one of these ‘pluses’. According to Ross Brawn, Director of Brawn GP, it’s good to dare to do such things. It’s good for F1, even though this pit exit has been very controversial. The circuit is just fantastic and I’m not talking about the straight… it’s endless!

Hamilton and Vettel also joined the discussion. They define a general sentiment among drivers, mentioning a need for enormous concentration on each lap and sensational facilities.

On the French side, *L’Equipe*, *Le Monde*, and the newspaper *Les Echos* have commented on the Yas Marina Circuit. An artificial island developed over about ten months by Abu Dhabi with a budget of approximately 40 billion dollars…

The circuit is all the more a feast for the eyes when captured by a thousand flashes from both amateur and professional photographers. One of them admits he didn’t expect anything better until F1 races on the moon…