Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2009

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2009
30 October – 01 November, Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the last race of the Formula 1 2009 calendar. The organizers are working very hard to make sure that the first F1 race in Abu Dhabi will be a race to remember.

It is guaranteed to make history as the first day/night Formula 1 race ever. Quote from the official website:

“Abu Dhabi, UAE, 28th August 2009. The world will experience the stunning beauty of the Arabian sunset as a backdrop to the inaugural 2009 Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with the announcement today of a new race start time at 5pm. As a result, for the first time in Formula 1™ history, a race is scheduled to start in daylight and end during night-time.”

If drivers were given the choice they would probably go for a day or even a night race, not a “sunset race”. How dangerous/safe the race will be remains to be seen. One thing is for sure, Formula 1 has changed a lot in the last few years with TV schedules and license fee money starting to play unhealthy role.