Auto123.com - Helping you drive happy

F1: Changes need for 'flawed' Abu Dhabi layout says Martin Whitmarsh

|
Get the best interest rate
Khatir Soltani
From GMM

The actual track layout of the impressive Yas Marina venue in Abu Dhabi is "flawed", according to Martin Whitmarsh.

"It is a great facility and everything else, but as we saw in GP2 and as we saw in F1 it is almost impossible to overtake here," the McLaren and FOTA boss is quoted by The Guardian.

1992 world champion Nigel Mansell agrees, arguing that the lack of overtaking last Sunday meant an anti-climactic finale to the otherwise thrilling 2010 title.

"The two protagonists, Alonso and Mark (Webber) just didn't pass anybody. It was a very boring race. Alonso is known for his charging, and to have a car which seems to be quicker than the car in front and not being able to overtake doesn't make sense," says Nigel Mansell to the Daily Mail.

Martin Whitmarsh said he thinks the Yas Marina layout should therefore be changed.

"I personally would like to see it changed. I think it is a fantastic facility that we come to, but the end of the straight they need a wide challenging corner, not a chicane that has got one line through it. You could see that when we first saw the plans. There is a massive commitment here to making this a great venue, so in the scheme of things priority should be given to looking at the circuit," said Martin Whitmarsh.

Circuit boss Richard Cregan did not rule out layout changes for the future.

"We have already extended the exit of turn eight and we are now studying the other various elements that we can improve," he is quoted as saying by Auto Hebdo in French.

The Yas Marina track is also targeting a round of the MotoGP series.

"We are working on it for 2012. It's not confirmed yet, but we are working on that with MotoGP. The circuit may have to have some work on the curves but this is normal," Richard Cregan added to emirates247.com.

Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada