Yas Marina Circuit | Abu Dhabi

Yas Marina Circuit

The Yas Marina Circuit is a state-of-the-art motorsport facility located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Opened in 2009, the circuit is famous for hosting the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and is known for its stunning location and unique design, which incorporates a blend of high-speed straights, technical corners, and picturesque surroundings. The track has become a major global motorsport destination and a symbol of Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a leading hub for sports and entertainment.

Overview

Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Opened: October 30, 2009

Capacity: 60,000 spectators

Operator: Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management (ADMM)

Circuit Length: 5.55 kilometers (3.45 miles)

Turns: 21 corners

F1 Lap Record: 1:34.613, set by Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) in 2019.

Design and Features

The Yas Marina Circuit is known for its challenging layout, which includes both high-speed sections and technical corners that test the skill of drivers and the performance of their cars.

Track Layout:
The circuit is a 21-turn track, with a mixture of fast straights and technical corners, offering a good balance between speed and precision. The track is often described as "driver-friendly," with opportunities for overtaking and close racing.

Lighting:
One of the most unique features of the Yas Marina Circuit is its twilight setting. The circuit is designed for night racing, and the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix often starts in the late afternoon and finishes at night. The circuit is equipped with high-tech floodlighting, which makes it the first F1 venue to host a night race without being affected by daylight conditions.

Pit Complex:
The pit complex at Yas Marina is modern and extensive, offering teams world-class facilities. The pit building itself is famous for its sleek design, featuring a skybridge that stretches across the main straight, providing access to the paddock and garages above.

Grandstands:
The circuit features several grandstands around the track, including the main grandstand, which provides excellent views of the starting grid, pits, and part of the circuit. There are also grandstands situated at various locations, offering spectators a variety of vantage points for watching the action.

Hospitality:
Yas Marina Circuit is known for its luxurious hospitality suites and VIP areas, providing premium experiences to corporate guests and F1 fans. The track offers exclusive access to its Yas Viceroy Hotel, which is positioned directly above the circuit.

Notable Events at Yas Marina Circuit

Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix:
The most prestigious event held at the circuit is the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This race is traditionally the season finale of the F1 calendar, often deciding the championship in dramatic fashion. The combination of twilight racing, a state-of-the-art track, and spectacular views makes this one of the most unique F1 events globally.

V8 Supercars Championship:
The Yas Marina Circuit has hosted various motorsport events beyond F1, such as the V8 Supercars Championship. The track's technical layout and long straights have made it a popular choice for touring car racing as well.

FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC):
The circuit also hosts the FIA World Endurance Championship, a series that features high-performance sports cars racing over extended distances. The 6 Hours of Abu Dhabi is a notable event for endurance racing fans.

MotoGP and Other Motorsports:
While Yas Marina Circuit is most famous for Formula 1, it has also hosted MotoGP races and various other events such as drift competitions, rally racing, and circuit training events.

Yas Racing Series:
A local racing series that features a mix of different motorsport categories, often held during the winter months.

Public Access and Experiences

Yas Marina Circuit isn’t just a professional racing venue; it’s also open to the public, offering a range of experiences and driving opportunities for motorsport enthusiasts.

Yas Marina Circuit Track Days:
Individuals can book their own track time to drive their own cars or rent high-performance sports cars and race around the circuit. It’s an adrenaline-filled experience that offers fans a taste of what it feels like to be a professional driver.

Driving Experiences:
The circuit offers a range of driving experiences, including the chance to get behind the wheel of Formula Yas 3000, a Formula-style racing car, or ride as a passenger in a supercar (such as a Ferrari or Lamborghini) with a professional driver.

Yas Kartzone:
For those who prefer go-karting, the Yas Kartzone offers a chance to race go-karts in a scaled-down version of the Yas Marina Circuit, perfect for families and casual racing enthusiasts.

Driving Courses:
The Yas Driving Academy provides training courses for drivers looking to improve their skills on the track. These courses are available for people at all levels, from beginners to experienced racers.

The Yas Viceroy Hotel

An iconic feature of the circuit is the Yas Viceroy Hotel, which is positioned above the circuit with rooms offering views of the track. The hotel is known for its stunning LED-lit facade, which changes colors and adds to the spectacle of night races. It is one of the most luxurious hotels in Abu Dhabi, offering world-class facilities, including restaurants, lounges, a spa, and more.

Ticketing and Visitor Information

Entry Price: Ticket prices vary depending on the event and the type of seating, but for major events like the Formula 1 Grand Prix, prices can range from around AED 200 ($55) for general admission to several thousand dirhams for VIP and hospitality packages.

Circuit Tours: Visitors can take guided tours of the Yas Marina Circuit to explore the track, pit lane, and other facilities. These tours are typically available year-round and offer a behind-the-scenes look at the venue.

Facilities: The Yas Marina Circuit is equipped with several restaurants, VIP suites, and merchandise stalls. It also has ample parking for spectators attending large events.

Nearby Attractions

The Yas Marina Circuit is located on Yas Island, close to other major attractions such as:

Yas Waterworld – A large water park with thrilling water slides.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi – The world's first Ferrari-branded theme park, home to the Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster.

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi – An indoor theme park dedicated to Warner Bros. characters.

Yas Mall – A shopping mall with a wide range of retail stores, dining options, and entertainment facilities.

Conclusion

Yas Marina Circuit is a world-class motorsport venue that offers thrilling races and exciting experiences for both professional drivers and motorsport enthusiasts. Known for its twilight Formula 1 races, it has become a central figure in the global motorsport calendar. Whether you're looking to watch high-speed action at a major event, experience the thrill of driving on the same track as F1 stars, or simply explore the stunning Yas Marina area, this circuit has something for everyone.