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Abu Dhabi set to modify F1 lay-out to boost overtaking

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix promoters have announced that several changes will be made to the Yas Marina circuit this summer to help boost overtaking opportunities for this year's race.

The United Arab Emirates track has often been criticized for its lack of action, a shortfall highlighted by the fact that the venue has in the past been the scene of a championship showdown.

Yas Marina has therefore devised a plan that features a series of changes and alterations centered around the track's two slowest series of corners.

"We’ve been looking at improving the racing on the track," said Saif Al Noaimi, acting CEO Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management

"We’ve been listening to our spectators, the fans, the drivers, F1 and the FIA, and we’ve been working on making some changes, exciting changes, this year to the layout of the track.

"We will be undergoing some modifications to the track over the summer in time for this year’s edition of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix."

Details of the circuit's modifications will be publicly revealed in the coming weeks, but the changes involve two specific areas.

The run down to Turns 5, 6 and 7 that ends with a tight hairpin that everyone exits at the same speed is expected to be replaced by a single short radius corner that will lead on to the back straight.

Also, the current complex that includes Turns 11,12,13 and 14 will also be replaced by a single radius left-hand corner that will be slightly banked.

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"The objective ultimately is to create more opportunities for close wheel-to-wheel racing," added Al Noaimi.

"We want to create more overtaking opportunities and to overall create a faster flowing race track, given the current rules of the vehicles.

"So we're really looking forward to seeing some overtaking and action, and hopefully the championship will come down to the wire and be determined here."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.