Abu Dhabi F1 handover may be late

(GMM) Abu Dhabi may not be able to hand over the keys to the new Yas Marina circuit by its three month deadline, an official has admitted.

Speculation about delays has dogged the venue of November's 2009 season finale, but project deputy director Douglas MacAskill insists the United Arab Emirates capital will be ready for the race.

However, a slight delay in the actual handover to the FIA is possible, he admitted.

"According to the rules, we have to hand over the circuit three months before the race, but seeing as we have a good relationship with the formula one teams, that period could be reduced to 60 days," he said.

"We are working 24 hours a day and everything will be ready on time, I have no doubt about that," the Canadian added.