F1 | Abu Dhabi GP, changes to the Yas Marina Circuit made official

The Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi is getting a new look. The track, present on the calendar in 2009 and home to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, will undergo changes to increase the spectacle and action on the track. The main changes will concern the elimination of the chicane and the widening of the hairpin at number 7, curves 11-12-13-14 will also be removed which will create a single curve and curves 17-18-19-20 will also be revised . Work will start this summer, with the world championship event taking place as the final stage of the season on 12 December.

"This programme, which represents an extremely important chapter in the history of the Yas Marina Circuit, will involve work carried out across three separate sections of the track, increasing overtaking opportunities for drivers and amplifying the competitive nature of all motorsport events held at the place – said Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management CEO Saif Al Noaimi – Work will take place over the summer, with completion expected well in advance of this year's GP, and we look forward to showcasing our new track to motorsport enthusiasts both locally and internationally over the coming months".

"We fully support the decision to make improvements to the track, with the aim of improving the overall motorsport experience across the board, including the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, for both competitors and spectators – said F1 sporting director Ross Brawn – Given its position as the final race of the Formula 1 season, it is always a special date in the calendar, and with this year's event set to be the first at the new-look track and the last race before entering the new era of F1 in 2022. There is added incentive to look forward to the spectacle".