By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : A hotel running along the entire racetrack is among the highlights of the Formula One infrastructure that is coming up in Abu Dhabi.
The capital city of United Arab Emirates (UAE), Formula One’s newest venue, will host the Grand Prix’s season-ender Nov 15 next year.
The Yas Marina Hotel at the venue will be the world’s first hotel that will run alongside the entire 5.55-km racetrack giving a unique viewer experience, it was stated at an exhibition of the Yas Marina Circuit Masterplan here.
“The Yas Marina circuit is a real investment in developing sports infrastructure in Abu Dhabi,” Khaldoon Al Mubarak, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority, said at the exhibition.
“The circuit will stand out as a stunning signature landmark in the world of design and construction,” he said when Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum came to examine the blueprint of the circuit Tuesday.
Designed by Formula One Circuit designer Philippe Gurdjan, the new facility will have, apart from the Yas Marina Hotel, signature hotels, a Ferrari theme park, a Warner Brothers theme park, a water park, parkland golf courses, marinas, polo clubs, apartments, villas and numerous retail outlets.
According to Al Mubarak, the development of the circuit and its related facilities will add a new dimension to the series of initiatives being launched in Abu Dhabi to shape its future landmarks.
“The Yas Marina Formula One circuit will come into existence after 12 months from now and today’s presentation reveals project features that come to light for the first time to show what shape the motor racing facility will look like and what spectators of the anticipated Formula 1 on November 15 2009 will see at the end of the day,” he said.
“We are confident that these final layouts will exceed fans’ expectations,” he said.
The new Yas Marina Yacht Club will be the first port of call for those wishing to combine land and sea sport allowing them to experience everything the circuit has to offer restaurants and boutiques, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
Yachts can berth alongside the track as it winds around the marina.
Al Mubarak also said the racetrack would be open for other motor racing events throughout the year.
The track will allow an average speed of 198 km per hour and with at least three areas for overtaking.
The 10-metre track elevation in relation to the turns will also make driving more difficult and demanding, according to the people developing it.
Abu Dhabi-based real estate major Aldar Properties is developing the circuit as part of Yas Island, a premier tourist destination.
According to Ahmed Al Sayegh, chairman of Aldar, the circuit is the cornerstone of the development masterplan of Yas Island.
“The combination of the facilities will play a crucial role in the development of Abu Dhabi,” he said.