In the “we’ve got so much f’n money I shit Benny Franklins” world of sports one-upmanship, the United Arab Emirates is in the process of building a Mecca for formula one racing. They’re investing $40 billion to build a race course that they’ve set out to rival Monaco’s Grand Prix.
“We will not only meet expectations, but exceed them without a doubt,” said Ahmad Hussain, deputy director general of Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Authority.
Construction began in January on the 6,300-acre site off the UAE’s east coast, and only 5 percent of the 3.4-mile track is complete. It is expected to seat 200,000 spectators.
“It’s going to be the most thrilling circuit in the championship,” said Ron Barrott, chief executive of the state-owned Aldar Property Development Company, which is building the track. “There will be authentic Arab flair everywhere that will leave the spectators in no doubt that they are in Abu Dhabi.”
The Yas Island circuit was designed by Hermann Tilke, a German who chose to split the course into 1.5 miles of street racing and 1.9 miles of dedicated racetrack. [SOURCE]
The only draw back to the new course and venue are the three sheep crossings. Drivers must yield to the herds or be subject to a $500 fine and/or castration, depending on the magistrate.
