Formula One Family Says Yes To Yas

26th October 2008 – Abu Dhabi:
Following the successful launch of Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday 14th October, Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management (ADMM) took the exhibition on the road to the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai last weekend where F1 Supremo, Bernie Ecclestone stopped by to show his support.

During the three day exhibition, which featured a selection of images of Yas Marina Circuit’s facilities, Philippe Gurdjian CEO of ADMM welcomed hundreds of familiar faces from the F1 fraternity and international media to the showcase. Many F1 drivers also gave in to curiosity and took time out of their hectic race weekend schedules to visit the exhibition, amongst them were Ferrari’s Felipe Massa and Toyota’s Timo Glock. The drivers were most interested to see the special run-off area under one of the grandstands and the pitlane exit tunnel under the track which has never been seen before in F1.

Commenting on the exhibition F1 Supremo, Bernie Ecclestone said: “From the very start of this project, we were in no doubt that F1 in Abu Dhabi would be something different, something special, the original plans have evolved almost beyond recognition to create a fully functioning permanent race track and we are set to be very pleased with the results.” The display in Shanghai is a portable version of the main exhibition featured in Emirates Palace until the end of November.

Highlights of both showcases include the stunning Yas Marina Hotel with the track running right through it, the Sun Tower 60 metres above the track allowing VIP guests the perfect view of the action and the Marina with a Yacht Club. Yas Marina Circuit is being developed by ALDAR Properties as part of the overall development of Yas Island.

Guests were able to review the centrepiece of the display, an interactive scale model of the track. In addition to showing the Formula 1™ track and its iconic landmark elements, the model also showcases Yas Marina Circuit’s many other facilities such as the Karting Track, Dragstrip, Business Park, Team Buildings and all the circuit’s innovative Grandstands.

Visitors to the exhibition in Shanghai were asked to sign a book with their comments on the new track and Red Bull Racing driver David Coulthard left a smile on the organiser’s faces with the following words: “Wow! I wish I wasn’t retiring!” ADMM CEO Philippe Gurdjian commented: “I am very pleased at the reactions of everyone who viewed the circuit. Everyone from officials and drivers to sponsors, teams and VIP’s were all very complimentary about what they have seen.”