David Coulthard presents the Abu Dhabi circuit
The former Red Bull driver, now a consultant for the team, David Coulthard, was one of the first figures in Formula One to have driven on the brand new Yas Marina circuit, which will be used next weekend during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Scotsman and gentleman of the tracks acknowledges that the circuit […]
The former Red Bull driver, now a consultant for the team, David Coulthard, was one of the first figures in Formula One to have driven on the brand new Yas Marina circuit, which will be used next weekend during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Scotsman and gentleman of the tracks acknowledges that the circuit combines the best features of designer Hermann Tilke’s tracks with the challenges of an old-generation circuit.
«I had the opportunity to drive on the circuit, and what immediately struck me was the fact that it is divided into two distinct parts, » said Coulthard, who drove around the circuit in a two-seater during a media presentation day. «The first half of the lap, up to turn 9, is typical of the new generation circuits. »
There is a very fast section at the beginning, from turn 1 to the tight hairpin at turn 4, with the grandstands literally above your head, providing an excellent viewpoint for spectators. The 1.2 km straight that follows should provide an opportunity to slipstream and overtake.
The second part of the circuit resembles more an urban track. The section takes us up to the hotel and then passes underneath it through a series of right and left 90-degree turns. Then, it continues towards the end of the lap with a medium-speed turn before the start line.
David Coulthard described the unusual pit exit, a tunnel under the track, as particularly stimulating for the drivers. The Scot was also extremely impressed by the facilities at the new Yas Marina circuit. There are large installations and air conditioning in the garages, which will make working conditions a bit easier in the heat.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be the first Formula race to take place at sunset. The race will start around 5 PM local time and finish at night under the floodlights.
«I think the twilight aspect of the race will be more of a visual treat for the spectators and viewers, and I believe that for the drivers, everything will go smoothly. There are enough floodlights to transition seamlessly from day to night without any issues, » commented Gentleman DC.
Circuit videos:
**[The first official onboard lap with Bruno Senna](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikvjwBEYk50)**
Virtual Tour of the Circuit by the Williams Team
