This weekend's inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marks an exciting new chapter for Formula 1 - with a state-of-the-art facility set to raise the benchmark for grand prix venues.
AUTOSPORT brings you 10 facts about the Abu Dhabi track ahead of its first F1 race.
• The new Yas Marina circuit features the longest straight on the Formula 1 calendar. It stretches for 1.2 kilometres.
• The end of that straight is also unique - as it features a run-off area that extends below the West Grandstand. Cars spinning off will therefore carry on underneath the spectators.
• Abu Dhabi is proud to boast that every single grandstand seat at the track is covered – a first for a Formula 1 circuit.
• The pitlane exit is the only underground one on the calendar. After leaving the pits, the drivers descend into a tunnel that turns 90 degrees left and runs underneath the track after Turn 1.
• The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be Formula 1's first day-night race. The event starts in twilight at 5pm and will finish at night – although the track will be illuminated by floodlights.
• The track runs underneath the posh five-star Yas Hotel – which will be lit for much of the Abu Dhabi weekend.
• More than 14,000 staff worked on creating the new Yas Marina circuit from scratch in February 2007. It took them a total of 35 million man hours to complete the track.
• Race organisers have gone out of their way to make sure the teams are comfortable – by installing air-conditioned pit buildings for the mechanics
• There is a nice bit of number symmetry to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. It will be 55 laps around a 5.55 kilometre track.
• The corporate blue branding of the Yas Marina circuit has been chosen because it matches the colour of the local water.
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