2012 Formula 1 commences
One of the biggest wall signs depicting the Formula One Grand Prix by Rama Media is seen on a bridge in Mandume Ndemufayo Avenue (Photograph by Hilma Hashange).
With its spectacular setting and unique twilight race, the Yas Marina Circuit is one of the most popular events on the calendar. Although the race is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 4 November, the practice sessions will be on Friday and the qualifying teams will be selected on Saturday.
In the team category standings, Red Bull Racing Renault is leading with 407 points, Ferrari with 316 points and Mclaren-Mercedes with 316 points. Leading racers competing at this wekend’s race include Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull Racing Renault who has accumulated 240 points, followed by Fernando Alonso of Ferrari with 227 and Kimi Raikkonen of Lotus-Renault with 173 points. Lewis Hamilton of Mclaren-Mercedes won the 2011 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
As in 2011, the anti-clockwise Yas Marina Circuit will feature two DRS zones. The first – extended by 80 metres for 2012, is on the very long back straight, with detection just prior to the Turn Seven hairpin that precedes it. The second is on the following straight, after the Turn Eight-Nine chicane, with detection just after Turn 9. The only change to the circuit since last year is higher kerbs, similar to those on the apex of Turns Eight and Nine, on the apexes of Turns Five, Six, 12, 13, 14, 18 and 19.
To celebrate the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix race, Shell V-Power gave away an all expense paid trip to one lucky winner in October 2012. Security officer, Johannes Ntdara was the lucky winner of the prize worth N$ 100 000 which includes a seat at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabu to witness the race. The Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi is the 18th of 20 scheduled races on the 2012 Formula One Grand Prix calender.
