Will the Abu Dhabi GP be a Bahrain GP 2?

The chief organizer of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Philippe Gurdjian, is considering major changes in the design of the new Formula 1 site as preparations continue for next year.

Gurdjian recently relinquished the role assigned to him in the development of the Paul Ricard circuit in France so that he could focus on overseeing the new ‘Marina Circuit Yas’ track.

After just a few weeks in this new role, Gurdjian revealed that he was considering reorganizing the track design.

« It will be completely different, » he stated about the design of the plans for the new layout.

« It will be in the same place, but with a different concept. It will be very exciting and unique! »

Gurdjian refused to reveal more details about these modifications, but he would be in favor of shifting more towards permanent facilities rather than urban ones, as initially planned. An announcement is expected in the next two months.

« We will tell you more very soon. I think we will say something at the beginning of September, » said Gurdjian.

He added that the construction of the new site will adhere to the scheduled timeline and that it was impossible for the track not to be ready on time.

« The progress is real. Everything is happening on schedule, you don’t need to worry about it. Bahrain was built in 70 days, and I have over 13 months ahead of me. We have no problem. »

« I am still working on the design and some small details, » concluded Gurdjian.

The Abu Dhabi race is provisionally scheduled for November 15, 2009.