Abu Dhabi happy with 2009 F1 date

At yesterday’s World Motor Sport Council Meeting in Paris, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) announced the provisional date of 15 November 2009 – the last race of the season – has been set for the 2009 Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This provisional date will be confirmed once the final 2009 F1 World Championship race calendar is released in the coming months.

In response to the announcement, His Excellency Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Motor Sport Management (ADMM) and Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority (EAA) said: “This is another important milestone for the 2009 Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. There has been a great deal of speculation about the timing of our race and we are delighted with the provisional date of 15 November 2009 as this is the last race of the season and potentially the Championship decider. This timing also ensures that visitors to the Emirate will be able to enjoy some of the best weather Abu Dhabi has to offer."

Also commenting on yesterday’s announcement, Philippe Gurdjian, CEO of Abu Dhabi Motor Sport Management (ADMM) said: “It is great to have a provisional date set for the race but in reality our work has progressed so well that we will be ready in time for any occurrence. Construction of Yas Marina Circuit has advanced substantially and we are confident that when the final result is unveiled in November 2009, Abu Dhabi will set a unique standard in the world of motorsport."

Note: Whilst a provisional date has been set, no official tickets to 2009 Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will go on sale until the race date is confirmed later this year.