The Yas Marina Circuit, venue for Formula 1’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, is set to undergo revisions to its layout ahead of this December’s event.
The Yas Marina Circuit has tended to be a processional race, with few overtaking opportunities, prompting drivers to call for changes following last year’s lacklustre season finale.
Taking that feedback on board, acting CEO of Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management, Saif Al Noaimi, explained that approval has been given to change the circuit to “create more opportunities” for overtaking and wheel-to-wheel action.
“We’ve been listening to our spectators, the fans, the drivers, F1 and the FIA, and we’ve been working on making some exciting changes this year to the layout of the track,” said Al Noaimi at the launch of this year’s grand prix.
“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.
“We’re very much looking forward to sharing more information in the coming months on the changes.
“We want to create more overtaking opportunities and to overall create a faster flowing race, given the current rules of the vehicles.
“We’re looking forward to seeing some overtaking and action and hopefully the championship will come down to the wire and be determined here in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.”
The circuit also has plans to welcome back fans for the race after holding their 2020 event behind closed doors.
“Every year we look forward to delivering a weekend of sporting and entertainment like no other in the region, and 2021 is no different,” a statement from the circuit said.
“However, this extraordinary year there will be a few changes to our regular format. 2021 will see us entertaining fans in a safe and managed environment, and we’ll be sharing more details once we launch our ticket sales over the coming weeks.”
Virtually every Hermann Tilke circuit could stand to be redesigned to increase overtaking, and spectator interest.