The track for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be changed ahead of this year’s race, with a dramatic change to turn 9 set to be the most noticeable difference.
The turn 9 chicane exit will be reprofiled into a banked corner ahead of the race in November.
Turns 5 and 6 chicane will also undergo changes, while the turn 7 hairpin will be made wider in order to assist overtaking at the circuit and turns 13 and 14 will be combined.
The Yas Marina circuit has only hosted three races previously, but designers feel the changes need to be made in order to make the event more exciting.
Despite races already being spiced up with the arrival of the Drag Reduction System (DRS) and Kers power boost system, drivers have welcomed the prospect of changes to the circuit to help add excitement, with Mercedes’ Michael Schumacher pleased the circuit will be adapted.
“We’re very happy to hear that Abu Dhabi, after building a very good track, is open to make further changes in order to see if we can find some guidelines for the future that may improve the overtaking situation,” he said after the Chinese Grand Prix.
“So, I think it’s a good step in the right direction, to see what will be done, what effect it will have.”
“Nevertheless, if you look at this year’s competition in general, it does offer a lot more overtaking possibilities. I think that in that respect, in terms of spectacle and interest in the sport, it has risen extremely.” He added.
The formula 1 live race will get under way in the 13th of November, and is the penultimate race of the season.