The Abu Dhabi GP will be held at the end of the year…

The organizers of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix have been informed that the inaugural race will take place in October 2009. Uncertainty remains over the possibility that the event will close the season in place of the Brazilian Grand Prix.

In the meantime, work continues on Yas Island. Philippe Gurdjian has been appointed to ensure that it is completed on time.

Gurdjian has already overseen the redevelopment of the Paul Ricard circuit, the main track used for testing in France. He also played a key role in ensuring the timing for the Bahrain Grand Prix for its first race in 2004.

A decision has already been made for the circuit to be considered permanent. The original plans that envisioned an urban circuit in the city’s streets in front of the marina have been abandoned.

The Abu Dhabi track is in the process of being designed. Hermann Tilke is in charge of this task. The head of Formula 1, Bernie Ecclestone, stated that this Grand Prix would be one of the best on the calendar.

« The Tilke group has built numerous circuits in the past, and all the lessons learned are being applied in this project, » Ecclestone said at the official launch event last year.

« We believe that this race could be the best F1 race in the world. »