Ross Brawn believes Yas Marina Circuit will host a thrilling race after the Brawn-GP team principal put his drivers through their paces for the first time on the new track.
Brawn, who celebrated leading his team to the Constructors' Championship at the Brazilian Grand Prix a fortnight ago, dismissed worries the day-night race would have an impact on today's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and insisted both Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello enjoyed their first run-out in the capital.
"We didn't have any comment from our drivers regarding the lighting – it's a long way from the circuit and it doesn't seem to be casting any distracting shadows," said the 54-year-old. "It's a very interesting track with an interesting combination and is quite challenging from a racing perspective.
"The drivers are enjoying the circuit a great deal. Like any new circuit, there will be some gentle evolution as the drivers get used to it, and no doubt next year there will be a few modifications, but nothing major is needed as far as we can see. It's going to be a great racing circuit."
The new facilities have been endorsed by all connected with the final race of the 2009 season, with Brawn praising commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone's decision to include Abu Dhabi on the Formula One calendar.
"We give Bernie a hard time sometimes, but he still creates races and encourages people to build facilities like this," said Brawn. "It's a stunning facility and a massive credit to the people here and to Bernie."
Christian Horner, Brawn's counterpart at Red Bull Racing and closest championship rival this year, reinforced the Englishman's enthusiasm for what has quickly become the UAE's premier motor sporting occasion. "Bernie has been winding us up for the past 18 months saying 'wait till you get to Abu Dhabi' and it's just unbelievable what the country has done to build a venue such as this," said Horner.
"It's quite mind-blowing really. And the circuit looks a quality circuit as well – it's not just a pretty background. The drivers seem to be enjoying it and we're being fantastically well looked after. The bar has been raised."
Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel was second fastest in Friday's first practice session, and fared slightly worse with a fourth-place finish in the evening, but still found time to take in the new sights at Yas Marina. "The circuit was very green and slippery to begin with, but overall it's quite a thrill to drive, with some good corners," he said, before adding: "It's also pretty special to go under a hotel." – Emirates Business 24|7
RELATED ARTICLES
74 cars to take part in Dubai 24-hour endurance race - 12 January 2012
Hamilton stamps his class - 14 November 2011
Vettel takes dramatic 14th pole - 13 November 2011
Britney Spears opens F1 Yas Island concerts - 13 November 2011
Etihad Airways to stage Grand Prix fly-by - 13 November 2011
RETURN TO MAIN NEWS PAGE | WAM
UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS
Home
