Name: Yas Marina Circuit
Distance from hotel: 36.2 km
Travel Time: 24 minutes
Average Taxi Fare: AED 120

Yas Marina Circuit is the UAE’s only formula one circuit and the venue for the 2014 F1 Etihad Airways Grand Prix. The circuit was designed by Herman Tilke, the world’s leading designer for racetrack facilities.

The circuit bears the capacity to hold 50,000 spectators, and it is the only motorsports venue in the world to offer covered grandstands throughout the course of the circuit to hold the spectators. The circuit has five grandstand areas which are the Main Grandstand, the West Grandstand, the North Grandstand, South Grandstand and Marina Grandstand.

Having a length of 5.554 kms, the circuit is built on an area of approximately 162 hectares and features 21 turns in its course (12 left turns and 9 right turns). Races on the circuit are driven in an anti-clockwise direction and the circuit is said to have the longest straight on any current F1 circuit (1,173 metres).

A few unique features:
•The circuit features a 60-metre solar powered tower, called the Shams tower
•It is the largest permanent sports venue lighting project in the world
•A part of the circuit’s pit lane and gravel trap runs underneath the track.
•There are 30 pit garages in the support pits located in the Marina grandstand and 40 pit garages in the main pit building within the Main grandstand.

On the non-race days, motorsport enthusiasts can sign up for many activities at the Yas Marina Circuit. These include:
•Karting
•Driver experiences
•Passenger experiences
•Private driving lessons
•A racing license course
•Drag racing academy lessons

This year the 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be held from the 20th to 23rd of November. We’re sure you’ve booked your tickets already to catch the excitement first hand, and rest assured, you can unwind and relax after the races at c.mondo!

Venue Tips:
•One of the best views of the F1 race is said to be from the West grandstand.
•The circuit has certain 'Track Days' where you can bring your own registered vehicle onto the F1 track!
•Every Tuesday, the track is opened free of cost to walkers, runners and cyclists.

*Yas Island Pictures Credit: VisitAbuDhabi.ae .