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Abu Dhabi planning circuit revamp

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix chief Philippe Gurdjian is considering major changes to the design of the country's new Formula One venue as preparations continue for next year's inaugural event

Gurdjian recently relinquished the role he had played in developing Paul Ricard so he could focus on overseeing the new Yas Marina Circuit, which is set to host the season finale next season.

And just a few weeks into his new role, Gurdjian has revealed that he is considering a design revamp of the track.

"It will be completely different," Gurdjian told autosport.com about the design plans for the new track. "It will be in the same location, but a different concept. It's very exciting and very unique!"

Gurdjian refused to reveal any more details about the changes, but they are believed to include making the facility permanent - rather than partly a street circuit through the Yas streets and Marina as originally planned.

An announcement is expected in the next two months.

"We will tell you more very soon," said Gurdjian. "I think we will say something at the beginning of September."

Gurdjian says that construction of the new site is on schedule and that there was no question of the track not being ready in time.

"Progress is going very well," he said. "All is on schedule, so don't worry about it. I built Bahrain in 70 days, and I have more than 13 months in front of me here. We don't have any problems.

"I am still working on the design and some little details. You make the difference when you are creative, as I am, and when you go into the detail. On this basis we will discover a million interesting things."

Abu Dhabi has been handed a provisional slot of November 15, 2009, for its first race.

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