ABU DHABI LIVES UP TO THE HYPE
ABU DHABI GP organisers put their British counterparts to shame this weekend after unveiling one of the world's most spectacular tracks.
It is in stark contrast to the British Grand Prix, which has now been left with a question mark over its head after ringmaster Bernie Eccelstone confirmed what everybody had thought since it was first announced - that Donington will not make it on to the F1 calendar next season.
As the row over the future of the British GP rumbles on, with the race likely to return back to Silverstone at a slashed price, the Abu Dhabi government revealed its £30 billion showpiece.
Designed as an Arabian version of Monaco, the massive Yas Island initiative, which is staging F1's finale in its inaugural season, is nothing short of impressive and could certainly give tips to some of the tracks in Europe.
My hotel, the Yas Island Centro, is located minutes from the Yas Island Marina circuit and has been open for just 15 days and is already run like a well-oiled machine. For those with more cash to spare, the circuit also boasts a futuristic five star, 499-room property located in the centre of the circuit - under which the race track runs.
Not wanting to do things by halves officials have also put on a series of free concerts for race-ticket holders set in the shell of the half-finished Ferrari World. A bootylicious Beyonce held the stage for the opening night, followed by Jamiroquai, the hugely popular Kings of Leon and tonight will be closed by ageing rockers, Aerosmith.
The facilities may be great for race fans attending the remarkable venue but drivers have also given armchair viewers the thumbs-up and have said to expect plenty of wheel-to-wheel action
"There will be good overtaking opportunities. But there are places as well where you could lose a bit of time. But having said that, there are plenty of overtaking opportunities and it is going to be quite interesting," said Force India driver Adrian Sutil
It is a big facility. It is very impressive...the hotel over the circuit, the pit lane exit. It is going to be big show."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
UNLUCKY WRC runner-up Mikko Hirvonen will drive the record-breaking Ford Focus RS World Rally Car in the Race of Champions in China next week.
The 29-year-old Finn, who missed out on a maiden world drivers' title by just a single point in Wales last weekend, will compete in both the ROC Nations Cup and the Race of Champions itself in Beijing's Bird's Nest Stadium.
The BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team driver, who has been runner up to Sebastian Loeb in the WRC Championship three years in a row, will partner former team-mate Marcus Grönholm.
Rivals will include Formula 1 stars Jenson Button, Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel and David Coulthard, former 500cc motorcycle world champion Mick Doohan, Le Mans 24 Hour winner Tom Kristensen and X Games multi gold medallist Travis Pastrana.
Hirvonen will drive a variety of vehicles at his maiden ROC appearance, including the familiar Ford Focus RS World Rally Car which he drove to second place in Wales last weekend.
"After the disappointing result of last weekend's Rally of Great Britain, I'm looking forward to the fun of the Race of Champions," said Hirvonen. "I won't have to worry about points and world championship positions in Beijing. But that doesn't mean I won't be taking it seriously. I'll be as keen to win as every other driver and it will be good to link up with Marcus again in the Finland team for the Nations Cup. Just like the old days!"
Check my column next week to see exclusive video footage of my nail-biting co-drive with Hirvonen's team mate Jari-Matti Latvala at last weekend's Welsh finale.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
EVERYONE knows motorsport is dangerous but Formula Renault UK Champion Dean Smith didn't expect to be struck by lightning ON-ROUTE to the circuit.
Smith endured a terrifying in-flight lightning strike on his way to the Motorland Aragon facility in Spain last weekend but went on to secure a maiden podium finish in Eurocup Formula Renault.
The 21-year-old took second place for the BVM Minardi team during the final Eurocup race of the season, having spectacularly scythed his way through from 11th on the grid.
"We're very happy with everything we achieved on my debut at Motorland Aragon, to finish on the podium in Eurocup and then run so competitively in the World Series test was fantastic, especially after the problems we had with our flight over there," Smith said.
"When the lightning struck the whole plane shook violently and lit-up, people were screaming and everyone started reading their safety cards! It was certainly an experience but not really one I'd like to repeat if I'm honest!"
While 2009 has undoubtedly been the best season so far in Smith's career, he still has the chance to add yet another accolade to his already packed trophy cabinet as one of six finalists in the hugely prestigious McLaren Autosport BRDC Award.
Dean and his five other rivals for the prize, which has been won in the past by 2009 FIA Formula One World Champion Jenson Button and ex-Grand Prix driver David Coulthard, will go head-to-head at Silverstone in Northamptonshire next month during an intensive shoot-out before the winner is revealed in December.
This article has 1 comment
very enlightening good report
By jack prescott. Posted November 1 2009 at 11:35 PM.