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With an initial budget of $400 million, measuring 5.6 kilometres in length and featuring a solar-powered observation tower for VIP guests Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina Circuit will also have plenty of 'tricky surprises' for drivers, according to a senior figure in its development.
When the authorities in Abu Dhabi charged with emulating the success of Bahrain's Grand Prix had to choose the designer for their own circuit, they followed their neighbours by opting for Germany's Tilke and Partners.
The Yas Marina Circuit, like the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, features the long straights and tight hairpin bends which are the hallmarks of circuits created by acclaimed track designer Herman Tilke.
Over 7,000 people are currently working around the clock to ensure the circuit is completed with ample time to spare before November's race, and Tilke and Partners' managing director Lorenz Schneider says all works are preceding on schedule.
Schneider was project manager for the construction of Bahrain's circuit - a track hewn from the desert rocks in just 16 months - but says the location of Abu Dhabi's coastal facility presents different challenges.
"The architecture (of the two Gulf circuits) is comparable but what makes a clear difference is the size of the project in Abu Dhabi," he says. "It's larger and what is different as well, is that the Yas Island site is literally island - it is not only a brand name, it is actually an island, and we are one project amongst other major projects there running at the same moment in time. So the logistics to transport workers to and from the island is a real challenge."
Circuit designers have to balance the requirements of the drivers, spectators and television coverage in order to create a successful new facility.
"The spectators want to see a battle on the road, which has a lot to do with possibilities for overtaking," says Schneider.
The global economic downturn, and its pronounced effect on the local construction industry, has helped smooth the passage of a project with an uncommonly public and immovable deadline. Falls in commodity prices and a greater ease in sourcing labour have proved a relief to the circuit's developers.
As has the support given to such high-profile projects by the government, says Schneider. "Bahrain and Abu Dhabi have given these projects top, top priority and that facilitates a lot. When it comes to decision-making and seeking permission for things it is very easy and one can see on a day-to-day basis that these countries want to make a statement to the world."
