From GMM
The inaugural Abu Dhabi grand prix will not be a twilight race but F1's first ever 'day/night' race, according to event manager Richard Cregan.
The sport's television broadcasters were issued with a document at Spa-Francorchamps on Friday confirming a race start time change from the originally scheduled 3pm to 5pm local.
Dusk in Abu Dhabi in November is scheduled for shortly before 6pm, meaning that by the end of the race at Yas Marina, it will be completely dark.
Singapore hosted F1's first ever night race last year, but the 2009 season finale will be the first that begins under sunlight but ends with the aid of artificial lighting.
"Yas Marina Circuit has been built from the outset to host day and night-time activities," Cregan is quoted as saying by the local newspaper The National, referring to 40-metre floodlighting structures that have been built at the venue.
"It has always been our intention to showcase to the world this spectacular venue and this decision allows just that opportunity," he added.
The inaugural Abu Dhabi grand prix will not be a twilight race but F1's first ever 'day/night' race, according to event manager Richard Cregan.
The sport's television broadcasters were issued with a document at Spa-Francorchamps on Friday confirming a race start time change from the originally scheduled 3pm to 5pm local.
Dusk in Abu Dhabi in November is scheduled for shortly before 6pm, meaning that by the end of the race at Yas Marina, it will be completely dark.
Singapore hosted F1's first ever night race last year, but the 2009 season finale will be the first that begins under sunlight but ends with the aid of artificial lighting.
"Yas Marina Circuit has been built from the outset to host day and night-time activities," Cregan is quoted as saying by the local newspaper The National, referring to 40-metre floodlighting structures that have been built at the venue.
"It has always been our intention to showcase to the world this spectacular venue and this decision allows just that opportunity," he added.