Yas Marina Circuit
Circuit Length : 5.281km
Number of Laps : 58
Race Distance : 306.138 km
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Category
General Admission 3-Day
- Marina Orange| South (09)| North (05)| West (06)
- All Seats Together (up to 4)
- Numbered Seating
- Giant Screen Views
- Friday, Saturday and Sunday Access
- Oases Area Access
- Admission to evening concerts
South Lounge 3-Day
- South Grandstand (09) Seating 3-Day
- Friday, Saturday and Sunday Access
- All Seats Together (up to 4), numbered seats
- VIP Lounge access
- A la Carte menu for purchase
- Thursday: Pit Lane walk
- Oasis Access all weekend
- Admission to all concerts (4 nights)
Main Premium 3-Day
- Main Grandstand Seating 3-Day
- Friday, Saturday and Sunday Access
- All Seats Together (up to 4), numbered seats
- Giant Screen Views
-
Oasis Access all weekend
- Admission to all concerts (4 nights)
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When was the track built?
In 2006, plans were announced to develop Yas Island, located just to the east of Abu Dhabi, into a new tourist destination, with a major part of the plans centring around a 5.5km race track. The diggers rolled into what would become the Yas Marina Circuit in May 2007, with the project completed by October 2009.
When was its first Grand Prix?
In 2009. The track debuted as that year’s Formula 1 season finale, with Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel winning from team mate Mark Webber and the already-crowned 2009 champion Jenson Button. Vettel would go on to secure his first title in Abu Dhabi a year later, amid much crying.
What’s the circuit like?
The Hermann Tilke-designed track is dominated by its 1.2km straight between Turns 5 and 6 – which, with slow-speed corners marking its beginning and end, makes it a honeypot for overtaking moves. Other highlights include the tricky run through Turns 10 and 11 into 12, which forces the drivers to brake hard with bags of lateral load still on the car. Track modifications ahead of the 2021 race, shortening the lap slightly to 5.28km, have only added to its excitement.
Where is the best place to watch?
Assuming you can’t get a room with a trackside view in the spectacular whale-shaped Yas Hotel – or a berth in a boat’s cabin in the marina – opt for a spot in the West Grandstand, a great place to watch all the overtaking action into Turn 6. Or if you’re more there for the atmos, stick yourself in the Main Grandstand overlooking the start-finish straight and enjoy Abu Dhabi’s famed pyrotechnics. It might be worth trying to get a seat high up in whatever grandstand you choose, though, if you’re looking to keep out of the sun.