Asian Le Mans - 4H of Abu Dhabi 1

The 4H of Abu Dhabi 1 aslms is a four-hour endurance race that takes place at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This event serves as part of the Asian Le Mans Series, which brings sports car racing to venues across Asia and the Middle East. The Asian Le Mans Series was created by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) and stands as the successor to the Japan Le Mans Challenge. The series brings the spirit and format of Le Mans racing to a new region.

The 4H of Abu Dhabi 1 features three distinct racing classes. The LMP2 class showcases prototype sports cars with advanced aerodynamics and powerful engines. The LMP3 class provides an entry point for teams new to prototype racing. The GT category exclusively features GT3 cars, which are modified production sports cars built to specific technical regulations. Recent editions of this race have attracted around 47 entries across these categories, creating a diverse field of competitors on track simultaneously.

Yas Marina Circuit provides the setting for this endurance race. The circuit was designed by Hermann Tilke and measures 5.281 kilometers in length. The track features 16 turns and runs in an anti-clockwise direction. Construction began in May 2007 and finished by October 2009. The circuit opened with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2009. The facility sits on Yas Island, a development that includes hotels, theme parks, and entertainment venues.

The track layout at Yas Marina Circuit combines high-speed sections with slower technical corners. This mix tests both car setup and driver skill throughout the four-hour duration. The circuit underwent modifications in 2021 to improve racing and create more opportunities for overtaking. Turn 9 was re-profiled into a banked, high-speed corner. These changes altered the character of the track and affected race strategy.

Yas Marina Circuit includes several distinctive features. The pit lane exit passes under the main track through a tunnel before rejoining at the first turn. The circuit passes underneath the W Abu Dhabi Hotel, which provides a unique visual element. A permanent lighting system allows races to continue after sunset, and this system is recognized as the largest permanent sports venue lighting installation worldwide. All grandstands are covered to protect spectators from the desert sun. The facility can accommodate 60,000 spectators.

The track surface at Yas Marina Circuit uses graywacke aggregate shipped from a quarry in Shropshire, England. The circuit is relatively flat, with less than two meters of elevation change across most of the track. The layout demands good car balance due to the variety of corner speeds. Teams must find the right aerodynamic setup to perform well in both the high-speed and low-speed sections.

The construction of Yas Marina Circuit involved over 14,000 workers and was completed in just two years. The project cost approximately $1 billion, making it one of the most expensive racing circuits ever built. The circuit has hosted the final race of the Formula 1 season on multiple occasions. The track has become slightly bumpier over time as the landfill underneath settles, which presents an ongoing challenge for circuit management.

The Asian Le Mans Series follows a multi-round format across different circuits. Each race tests team strategy, driver endurance, and mechanical reliability. The 4H of Abu Dhabi 1 aslms represents a significant challenge within this series. Teams must manage tire wear, fuel consumption, and driver changes throughout the four-hour duration. Weather conditions in Abu Dhabi can also play a role, with temperatures affecting car performance and tire management strategies.

The race at Yas Marina Circuit offers close competition across all three classes. LMP2 cars typically lead on overall pace, while LMP3 and GT cars battle within their respective categories. The multi-class format means drivers must navigate traffic carefully, as faster prototypes regularly lap the GT cars. This adds a strategic element to the race, as timing overtakes and managing traffic becomes crucial for success.

The 4H of Abu Dhabi 1 aslms brings together teams and drivers from various backgrounds and regions. Professional drivers compete alongside talented amateurs, which aligns with the Le Mans tradition of mixing professional and amateur talent. This format provides opportunities for developing drivers to gain experience in endurance racing alongside experienced professionals.

This event at Yas Marina Circuit offers fans a chance to see multiple racing categories competing simultaneously on a world-class circuit. The four-hour format provides sustained action, with race positions often changing based on strategy, pit stop execution, and traffic management. The combination of the Asian Le Mans Series format and the unique features of Yas Marina Circuit creates a distinctive racing experience for both participants and spectators.