The inaugural Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is a sell-out with approximately 50,000 spectators expected on the race day, said the event organisers, Yas Marina Circuit.

For those motorsport enthusiasts not attending Yas Marina Circuit, in a generous show of support, Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) has granted Abu Dhabi Media Company the rights to broadcast the race live on Abu Dhabi Alriyadiyah 2, said the organisers.

“I want to thank the BIC, the TV rights holder of the FIA Formula One World Championship in the Middle East, for this act of generosity that will enable everyone in the UAE access to enjoy the inaugural race - whether on Bahrain TV Sports Channel or Abu Dhabi Alriyadiyah 2,” said Khaldoon Al Mubarak, chairman of Yas Marina Circuit.

“This is a mark of the strong relationship that exists between the BIC and Yas Marina Circuit,” he noted.

Broadcast in Arabic, Abu Dhabi Alriyadiyah 2 live coverage will include Formula 1 practice sessions, Formula 1 Qualifying race, Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, GP2 Asia races and Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup races.

“This will be an historic race of firsts: The first F1 race at Yas Marina Circuit; the first day into evening F1 race - with only one driver who will forever be recognised in F1 history as the winner of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix,” said Richard Cregan, CEO of Yas Marina Circuit.

“We’ve had an amazing response locally, nationally and internationally and every ticket has been sold,” he added.

The 5.5km Formula 1 track at Yas Marina Circuit is packed with unique and innovative features: Every Grandstand seat is under cover, a first for any F1 circuit; The Yas Hotel straddles the track, allowing guests to experience the sensation of race cars passing underneath; cars exiting Pit Lane re-enter the circuit via a tunnel; and drivers who miss their braking point at the end of the longest straight in F1 traverse a run-off area beneath the West Grandstand.
 
After the inaugural 2009 F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit will operate year-round with a variety of international racing and other special events; drag racing; the driving school; corporate events; and concerts.-TradeArabia News Service