Abu Dhabi 'on track' for GP

Tickets go on sale for season-ending race at Yas Marina Circuit

Last updated: 31st March 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Abu Dhabi 'on track' for GP

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Officials in Abu Dhabi have denied reports that their track will not be ready in time to host the season-ending Grand Prix on November 1.

Speculation had grown that the construction on the Yas Marina Circuit had been stifled by numerous delays, throwing its readiness into doubt.

Added to this, rumours were suggesting that circuit chief Philippe Gurdjian may be concentrating on creating an F1 circuit in Korea, rather than on the track in the UAE.

However, Abu Dhabi officials have moved quickly to quash such suggestions, releasing a statement saying that everything is "on track" for the season finale.

They also insisted that Gurdjian is focused on his current task alongside Richard Cregan, the former general manager of Toyota's F1 Team.

"As tickets for the inaugural Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix went on sale in Abu Dhabi this morning, Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management (ADMM) confirmed that progress on the construction of Yas Marina Circuit, the host venue for the final race of the 2009 F1 season finale, is on track and there are no concerns regarding delivery deadlines," the circuit said in a statement.

"ADMM, the organization responsible for the management of the state-of-the-art Abu Dhabi based track benefits from the leadership of two experienced and talented individuals, Richard Cregan and Philippe Gurdjian.

"Gurdjian's main focus is on the development and delivery of the track whilst Cregan, formerly General Manager of Toyota's F1 Team, focuses on the growth of the team, the success of the grand prix, and ensuring that Yas Marina Circuit is a fully functioning, year round business."