Today was the first time there has ever been a Formula 1 session at the new Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi on today’s Friday Practice day. I have compiled a few of the driver’s thoughts on the new complex.
The McLaren team seemed impressed with the circuit, Lewis Hamilton who recorded the fastest time in Free Practice 1 said:
“They’ve done an incredible job here. It’s a really nice circuit to drive – there are a lot of technical corners, where braking stability is important. It’s a great track and I really enjoy driving it. The only bit I don’t like is the tunnel – but it’s a challenge!”
And the former world champion’s teammate Heikki Kovalainen who topped the timesheets in Free Practice 2 said:
“The circuit is cool – it’s very smooth with good grip and the kerbs are nice. Turns Two and Three are not easy-flat, but, with the good balance of the car, they’re fun.”
As for Brawn GP, they also seemed impressed with the circuit. New World Champion Jenson Button had this to say:
“I had a short break in the Gulf region after the Bahrain Grand Prix and went to have a look at the Yas Marina Circuit. Even back then, when the construction work was still underway, the facilities looked outstanding and the organisers have done a great job in creating a spectacular venue. It’s always fun to try a new race track, particularly one which looks as unique as Yas Marina with the unusual pitlane exit and the day/night race. I’m sure Abu Dhabi is going to host an exciting weekend and a great finale to the 2009 Formula One season.”
And Rubens Barrichello said:
“The layout of the circuit seems both fun and challenging and it will be interesting to start the race in daylight and to finish in evening conditions. Our track walk on Thursday will be important to get an initial feel for the characteristics of the circuit and we will spend the first few laps on Friday getting to grips with the layout.”
As for Red Bull, Sebastian Vettel seemed to like the circuit:
“Abu Dhabi is a new circuit, so new conditions – including starting driving in the daylight and finishing the session at night, which is quite exciting. Obviously, the circuit was very green and slippery to begin with, but overall it’s quite a thrill to drive, with some good corners. It’s also pretty special to go under a hotel!”
Ferrari who had a distinctly unimpressive two sessions were more critical of the circuit. Kimi Raikkonen said:
“There is only a few corners which are drivable. I mean the corners are heavy braking with tight corners in low gears. Not many corners you need to go fast through, it could be more interesting.”
And Ferrari’s other driver Giancarlo Fisichella was also less than impressed with the circuit:
“[The circuit is] Better at the end with more grip but there is a couple of places in second gear there is not the chance to have a nice, high speed corner. The first part is the more interesting part of the circuit, turns 1, 2, 3. The middle sector [is a] little bit too many corners in second gear.”
