Changes confirmed to F1 tracks in Abu Dhabi and Brazil

Richard Cregan, CEO of Abu Dhabi Circuit, has confirmed that changes will be made to the track ahead of this year's race. Last week it became known that following criticism received for the lack of overtaking in the 2010 edition the organizers have decided to create new overtaking opportunities on the Yas Marina circuit.

“Races like those in Abu Dhabi in 2010, where you cannot overtake, are not acceptable” declared the president of the FIA, Jean Todt.

Potential changes to the circuit layout were discussed during a meeting in Sepang between Cregan, former Toyota team manager, and FIA officials.

The changes will be made between turns 6 and 9 and will already be completed before the November race, the penultimate of the 2011 F1 World Championship.

But Cregan reiterated that the changes were not requested due to shortcomings in the original design: “We have spoken to Charlie Whiting and the drivers, and at the moment they have exposed very few problems with the circuit.”

Meanwhile, it was decided to demolish some stands on the Interlagos track to make room for an escape route, after Gustavo Sonderman's recent fatal accident in the stock cars.