dirksqjaw

Wanted to pop in here - I'm a general fan of racing, but nothing specific for F1. However, since I worked closely on some of the Yas island project in Abu Dhabi, I've been given F1 tickets. Yay me, but what I was curious about was what peoples general thoughts are about the Abu Dhabi race? Anything special or just another circuit ? Obviously, Abu Dhabi is playing their hand very strongly, but just curious if it's that big of a deal for F1?

Sorry to butt in, just figured you all would be the right crowd to ask .

pipper

button to mclaren next year

MiamiPhill

Humm? interesting, we'll see what direction F1 takes now.

MiamiPhill

.....or an attempt to hasten/influence contract talks with Brawn?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport...one/8322334.stm

MiamiPhill

I found video of a 2 seater taking a few laps of the circuit, 3.451 miles, 21 turns day into night race.

1) Looks like a lot of time will be lost in the pit lane.
2) Chicane at 5 & 6 is totally unnecessary ruins any chance to overtake at 7. :thumbsdown:
3) Nice long blast from 7 to 8, expect most of the overtaking to happen here.
4) Another long (slightly curved) blast to 11 and 2nd good overtaking spot.
5) Rest is standard fair from 11-21, turn 1 may also be good for passing.
6) No great elevation change, no neck stretcher like Tambarello (pre 95) or Parabolica,
no fast left right sweepers.
Ok track overall, surroundings & grandstands look good, potential for a good race I think.

swajames

I think this is the first race where daylight will transition to night (and floodlights) as it's starting at 5pm local time. Will be interesting to see how that plays out.

MiamiPhill

Early impressions as dark approaches in Abu-Dabi is that this is a much better TV spectacle than Singapore, where there is no sense of the stands and spectators.......here, everything seems well lit.
Lets hope the racing is also good.

dirksqjaw

Yesterday was interesting. It being my first F1 event, I can honesty say I didn't expect it to be as loud as it is. The main grandstand area only has a view of the finish line little straight, and it in a canyon configuration (grandstands on either side) so the noise levels are unreal.

It being Abu Dhabi, and the first race of a rushed and ultimately unfinished venue, things haven't been as bad as expected. Ground staff have no clue what's going on, and pester the hell out of people for no apparent reason. In talking with a few different groups of people in town for the event, their review of the facilities and the treatment have been scathing. Add to that, that all but one of the "alcohol areas" were closed yesterday (and that one was only accessible to north grandstand ticket holders), and the general mood was - Yay F1 Racing, Boo the idiots running the place!

I didn't think it was that bad, honestly speaking, but having lived here for awhile, my expectations are rock bottom . This whole place is ran by incompetent fools, so this has been pretty good!! The included concerts have been great, despite being held in a gravel pit, and the traffic has been very smooth, which was the expected sore spot.

First practice season was very slick as the track had a lot of dust on it, but the second session really saw a dramatic drop in lap times. I've got some decent pictures of the BMW pit which I'll post at the end of the weekend. I'm looking forward to qualifying today!

PS Why do they burn out while in the pit to be rolled back into the garage? Just curious .

Ricracing

I hope you are wrong.

Kimi would give Lewis a better competition.

The press rumors around the F1 is a big laugh.

Ricracing

Hi dirksqjaw

Must be nice to see it live. Please send in some pics!

The most impressive to me is the acceleration and even more the braking power of these small F1 cars.
Compare the F1 cars speed and braking to the other series cars, ie the Porsche's.

"PS Why do they burn out while in the pit to be rolled back into the garage?"

It's a pit stop race practice.