Sunset Over Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi announces first ever F1 day/night race.

Abu Dhabi is writing F1 history. For the first time in F1 history there will be a race which starts during day-light and ends at night. The world will experience the stunning beauty of the Arabian sunset as a backdrop to the inaugural 2009 Formula 1â„¢ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with the announcement of a new race start time at 5pm. As a result, for the first time in Formula 1â„¢ history, a race is scheduled to start in daylight and end during night-time.

“Yas Marina Circuit has been built from the outset to host day and night-time activities,� said Richard Cregan, CEO of Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management. “Staging Formula 1’s first ever day/night race offers us the unique opportunity to demonstrate the circuit’s inbuilt flexibility and state-of-the-art facilities. It has always been our intention to showcase to the world this spectacular venue and this decision allows just that opportunity.

It is the best of both worlds, spectators and television viewers will see the stunning architecture of the world’s newest Formula 1™ circuit during the afternoon sunlight and then experience what it is like under floodlights. We hope that everyone will be impressed by what they experience and see.�

Yas Marina Circuit’s lighting system utilises the most advanced technology available. The 24-40 meter tall outfield floodlights provide horizontal lighting. The smaller 7-15 meter infield fixtures have a highly sophisticated �vertical controllable beam’ designed specifically to provide a consistent daylight effect as well as removing shadow and glare at driver level. The lights will be on from the start of the race to ensure a seamless transition from daylight to dark.

This is surely one more reason to visit the Abu Dhabi F1 Race on the 1st of November 2009.