Abu Dhabi sets the stage for the final race of the season!

The final race of the 2009 season will be the Abu Dhabi GP. The capital city of the United Arab Emirates on the Persian Gulf, Abu Dhabi boasts a newly constructed circuit measuring 5.5 km in total length, facing waterfront yacht harbors similar to Monaco and Valencia. Designed by Hermann Tilke, this course is another counter-clockwise setup, with nine right turns, 11 left turns, and an expected average speed in excess of 320 km/h. The long straight is followed by a winding chicane, which looks to make for a perfect overtaking section. Stability under rapid deceleration will be key to passing the competition on this course. The circuit also features several 90-degree turns like a street course, bringing the layout of the Singapore circuit to mind. As with the Bahrain GP, teams must be ready for heat and dust of the Middle East.