Revamped Abu Dhabi F1 track to feature banked corner!

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Abu Dhabi Grand Prix's promoters recently announced a series of changes to the event's Yas Marina circuit destined to improve the show on the track.

As previously highlighted, the track will undergo an overhaul over the summer centered around two main areas.

Yas Marina's Turn 7 will see its current chicane replaced by a wider hairpin corner that should help boost overtaking opportunities on the approach to the corner as well as at the end of the back straight.

But the most original feature of the track's changes will be the replacement of the complex of turns at the end of the second back straight by a single fast, and banked, left hand sweep.

Furthermore, the corners situated at the hotel section of Yas Marina - Turns 17 to 19 - will be slightly opened up to increase the area's speed and flow.

Read also: Abu Dhabi set to modify F1 lay-out to boost overtaking

Saif Al Noaimi, Acting CEO of Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management said the changes are all about enhancing the racing and the spectacle on the track.

"As a venue, we are continually identifying ways in which we can evolve, keep our product offerings fresh and retain the support of our loyal fanbase," said Al Noaimi.

"This programme, which represents a hugely important chapter in the Yas Marina Circuit story, will involve work being carried out in three separate sections of the track, increasing the opportunity for drivers to overtake and amplifying the competitive nature of all motorsport events held at the venue."

Ross Brawn, Managing Director, Motorsports at Formula 1 added: "As host of the Formula 1 season-finale since 2009, Yas Marina Circuit has established itself as one of the most popular venues for motorsport fans around the world to attend.

"We are fully supportive of the decision to make improvements to the track, with the aim of enhancing the overall motorsport experience across the board, including the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, for both competitors and spectators.

"Given its position as the final race in the Formula 1 season, it is always a special date on the calendar, and with this year’s event set to be the first on the new-look track and the last race before we enter the new era of F1 in 2022, there is added incentive to look forward to the spectacle."

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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.