Ten facts about Abu Dhabi

AUTOSPORT brings you 10 facts about the Abu Dhabi track ahead of its first F1 race.

• The new Yas Marina circuit features the longest straight on the Formula 1 calendar. It stretches for 1.2 kilometres.

• The end of that straight is also unique - as it features a run-off area that extends below the West Grandstand. Cars spinning off will therefore carry on underneath the spectators.

• Abu Dhabi is proud to boast that every single grandstand seat at the track is covered - a first for a Formula 1 circuit.

• The pitlane exit is the only underground one on the calendar. After leaving the pits, the drivers descend into a tunnel that turns 90 degrees left and runs underneath the track after Turn 1.

• The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be Formula 1's first day-night race. The event starts in twilight at 5pm and will finish at night - although the track will be illuminated by floodlights.

• The track runs underneath the posh five-star Yas Hotel - which will be lit for much of the Abu Dhabi weekend.

• More than 14,000 staff worked on creating the new Yas Marina circuit from scratch in February 2007. It took them a total of 35 million man hours to complete the track.

• Race organisers have gone out of their way to make sure the teams are comfortable - by installing air-conditioned pit buildings for the mechanics

• There is a nice bit of number symmetry to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. It will be 55 laps around a 5.55 kilometre track.

• The corporate blue branding of the Yas Marina circuit has been chosen because it matches the colour of the local water.