Yas Marina Circuit, one of the world's most sophisticated motorsport circuits, said it is ready to host the inaugural Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix which begins in less than a week’s time.

Yas Island is one of the most unique and highly-touted projects within Aldar Properties’ current portfolio. The completion of Yas Marina Circuit represents the first phase of the Yas Island Development.

Prior to 2007, Yas Island, located on the north east side of Abu Dhabi’s mainland, had no amenities or facilities – including roads, electricity or water supply, said Yas Marina Circuit officials while discussing the project's development in the past two and a half years.

'But by May 2008, the Yas Marina Circuit foundations began to be visible from the air as work on the main grandstand got underway. By November, substantial progress was seen at Main Grandstand, Pit Buildings and the Yas Hotel, with Yas Marina clearly defined,' they said.

'More than 6,000 spectators will be entertained in the Main Grandstand opposite the Pit Building and garages. For many fans, this is the heart of the action, where the team pit garages and pit stops take place, of course, the location of the start and finish line as well as the victory podium.'

Conveniently located, Yas Island is 20 minutes from the centre of Abu Dhabi, 10 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and 50 minutes from Dubai.

Yas Marina Circuit has a unique combination of facilities including a 5.55km F1 standard race track (the longest straight of any F1 track), raised grandstand with run-off area below, first tunnel re-entry back onto the track, five covered, permanent grandstands, state-of-the-art air-conditioned hospitality facilities, 70 garages in two pit buildings, the five-star 500-room Yas Hotel that straddles the circuit, a drag strip (YMC Raceway), a driving academy and a marina and yacht club.

The pit buildings contain 40 independent garages, each 140 sq m, fully air conditioned with an air-wall at exit onto pit lane. The pit building houses the team’s two race cars, all spare parts, engineering equipment and the computer data storage and analysis equipment. Between 75 and 100 people will work in each respective team’s garage.

On completion, Yas Island will play host to numerous other attractions, such as a signature hotels, theme parks, marinas, golf courses and much more. Yas Island will cater to the local resident population as well as international tourists. The variety of attractions will make Yas Island a place for everyone to enjoy.-TradeArabia News Service