Formula 2 - Yas Marina

The Formula 2 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix takes place at Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island in the United Arab Emirates. This F2 race serves as the final round of the championship season. Yas Marina hosts both a Sprint Race and a Feature Race across the weekend. The Feature Race covers 58 laps for a total distance of 306.183 kilometers.

Yas Marina Circuit measures 5.281 kilometers in length and features 16 turns. The track includes two DRS detection zones that help drivers attempt overtaking maneuvers. The longest straight section stretches 1.14 kilometers between turns 7 and 8. The circuit has an elevation change of 10.7 meters throughout its layout.

Hermann Tilke designed Yas Marina Circuit, which opened in 2009. Construction began in May 2007 and finished in October 2009. Sebastian Vettel won the inaugural race at this venue. The circuit underwent significant modifications in 2021 to improve racing action. The changes removed turns 11-14 and replaced them with a long curved corner that features shallow banking.

The F2 race at Yas Marina begins at dusk and finishes under floodlights. The circuit features a permanent lighting system that ranks as the largest permanent sports venue lighting project globally. This twilight format creates a unique racing environment as natural light transitions to artificial illumination during the races.

Yas Marina Circuit passes by the marina and runs underneath the W Abu Dhabi Hotel. A section of the pit lane exit also runs beneath the track itself. The venue offers seating capacity for up to 60,000 spectators across five grandstand areas. These grandstands include the Main Grandstand, West Grandstand, North Grandstand, South Grandstand, and Marina Grandstand.

The track surface uses graywacke aggregate imported from a quarry in Shropshire, England. This material provides high grip levels but increases tire wear. Teams and drivers must carefully manage their tire strategy throughout both F2 races at Yas Marina Circuit. The tire degradation factor adds another layer of complexity to race strategy.

Formula 2 cars compete on this track with powerful engines and advanced aerodynamics. The F2 series serves as a proving ground for drivers aiming to reach Formula One. Many current Formula One drivers previously raced in F2. The championship features identical cars for all competitors, which places emphasis on driver skill and team strategy.

Yas Marina Circuit has welcomed over one million visitors since opening. The facility represents one of the most expensive racing circuits ever built. The venue combines modern facilities with challenging track characteristics. Drivers face a mix of slow-speed corners, medium-speed sections, and high-speed straights at Yas Marina.

The F2 races at Yas Marina Circuit offer close competition and strategic battles. Both the Sprint Race and Feature Race formats test different aspects of driver ability and team preparation. Weather conditions in Abu Dhabi remain warm, which affects tire performance and car setup. Teams work to find the optimal balance for their cars throughout practice and qualifying sessions.