Abu Dhabi to alter F1 layout for 2021 finale

We now have more details about the changes planned for the Abu Dhabi Yas Marina Circuit circuit, and it includes a banked turn.

The redesign is intended to aid overtaking opportunities at the circuit.

As you can see in the image and video below, the key changes are:

Eliminating the chicane and widening the hairpin at Turn 7
Removing the four sharp corners at Turns 11, 12, 13 and 14 to be replaced by one long banked turn
Opening up the radius of four corners (Turns 17, 18, 19 and 20) to create a faster flowing section of the track.

The track operators say the widening of Turn 17 will improve overtaking opportunities, while the changes to Turn 20 will create a full-throttle corner, allowing cars to follow closer together. The tweaks at the hotel section are designed to allow for closer racing which in turn should lead to additional overtaking opportunities.

Saif Al Noaimi, Acting CEO, Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management, said: “As a venue, we are continually identifying ways in which we can evolve, keep our product offerings fresh and retain the support of our loyal fan base.

“This program, which represents a hugely important chapter in the Yas Marina Circuit story, will involve work being carried out in three separate sections of the track, increasing the opportunity for drivers to overtake and amplifying the competitive nature of all motorsport events held at the venue.

“Work will take place over the summer, with completion expected well in advance of this year’s Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and we look forward to showcasing our new-look track to motorsport fans both locally and internationally in the coming months.”

June 22, 2021

(GMM) Abu Dhabi is set to undergo key circuit layout changes ahead of the 2021 Formula 1 season finale.

Saif Al-Noaimi, CEO of the Yas Marina venue, reveals that officials have “listened” to criticism and will now make “some exciting changes” in the coming months.

“We are looking to improve the performance of the track during the race,” he is quoted by France’s Auto Hebdo.

“We have listened to the spectators, the fans, the drivers, F1 and the FIA, and we have worked on it.”

However, Al-Noaimi insists he is not ready to say precisely which sections of the layout – which has often hosted processional grands prix – will be changed.

“We will have to wait a little longer to know precisely what changes will be made, but everything will be well and truly ready for the 2021 edition,” he said.

“The objective, naturally, is to create more battles on the track. We want to create more opportunities for overtaking, and create an overall faster circuit taking into account the current single-seater regulations.

“We can’t wait to see more overtaking, more action, and we hope the battle for the title will be played out here at the end of the season.”

La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that a 30 percent capacity crowd will be permitted to attend the 2021 season finale on 12 December.

“Given the current guidelines in Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina will be able to welcome a small number of fans,” confirmed Al-Noaimi.