Preview of the new Abu Dhabi Grand Prix circuit
- 00:01:07
- ITN
Preview of the new Abu Dhabi Grand Prix circuit
Abu Dhabi is preparing to make its Formula One debut this weekend when it hosts its first Grand Prix. With both titles already won by Jenson Button and his Brawn GP team, Sunday's season-ender brings down the curtain on an astonishing season. However, there are plenty of drivers with their own reasons for performing well under the floodlights of Formula One's first day-to-night race. The Middle East's second Grand Prix marks the end of the road for German manufacturer BMW, who announced back in July that they would be pulling out of the sport at the end of the season. Poland's Robert Kubica, runner-up in Brazil earlier this month, will be keen to give them one last podium before he heads off to join Renault. "This will be a very special race for all of us in the team," said Germany's Nick Heidfeld. "So far I haven't really had that feeling of saying goodbye. But that will change in Abu Dhabi for sure and will probably be quite intense." Spain's Fernando Alonso, moving to Ferrari for 2010, must say goodbye to Renault once again. "I would love to finish the season and my Renault career with a great result," he said. "It will be an emotional race because I have enjoyed so many special memories with this team and I am leaving behind a lot of friends." Finland's 2007 champion Kimi Raikkonen brings down the curtain on a three-year stint at the Italian team with his future still uncertain. His current team mate, Giancarlo Fisichella, is set to bow out altogether after 14 seasons in Formula One. The Italian has a new contract as Ferrari's test and reserve driver in his pocket. Several other drivers, including Button's Brazilian team mate Rubens Barrichello and Williams' Nico Rosberg, are likely to be making their last appearances for their current employers.
ITN | October 28, 2009
