Yas Marina Circuit South Circuit
The Yas Marina Circuit is an FIA Grade 1 raceway designed by the famous German track architect Hermann Tilke and operating since 2009 in Yas Island, the purpose-built leisure, shopping, entertainment center, and tourist attraction pole in Abu Dhabi, one of the United Arab Arab Emirates. Yas Marina has hosted the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from its inception in 2009, being also the last race in the F1 calendar, usually run in mid-November to cope with the extremely high temperatures of the hot Arabian desert. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the only Formula 1 race starting at dusk for the same reason, but the lighting and scenery of the track are ideal for providing top-notch entertainment for the audience at the venue and on TV.
The 3.45-mile (5.55-km), 21 turn Grand Prix circuit runs counterclockwise and results from the combination of two independent 1.47-mile (2.36-km) layouts, one at the northern half and the other at the southern half, that can host races simultaneously. The Yas Marina Circuit is technically demanding for drivers, with several multi-apex turns, sharp bents, and heavy braking sectors on its eastern part. The longest straightaway ends abruptly on a tight left-right turn combination leading to a long sweeper. Racing on this circuit rewards patient drivers who wait the right moments to overtake their opponents, as errors can easily lead to being left behind.
The South Circuit at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi utilizes the southern sections at UAE's flagship motorsport venue famous for hosting Formula One's season finale under twilight-to-night lighting. The South designation indicates a specific routing focusing on particular corners and characteristics distinct from the full GP layout. This configuration serves driving experiences, corporate events, and club racing at the facility representing UAE's significant motorsport investment.
Operating the South Circuit showcases Yas Marina's configuration versatility beyond the standard GP layout serving diverse event requirements at the facility that cost over $1 billion to construct. UAE's desert climate creates extreme temperatures with the twilight racing format reducing track temperatures from daytime peaks above 45C. The South Circuit provides accessible layout option for customers seeking Yas Marina experience without the full GP circuit's intimidation factor, serving Abu Dhabi's role as Middle East motorsport hub.
