Formula One Gets Ready For Desert Farewell

All Aboard For Abu Dhabi


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This is it.

We've arrived at the final race of the Formula 1 World Championship in Abu Dhabi.

For those that failed Geography, it's one of the United Arab Emirates just a stone's throw from Saudi Arabia - or shall we say, sand?

There'll be plenty of that this weekend.

Abu Dhabi is a race in the desert.

It's also held as the sun goes down - starting under the sun and ending under lights.

What's not to like?

Maybe the fact it's the final race of twenty in 2017 before the teams pack it all up and go home to England, Italy, and Switzerland for Christmas.

Hard to believe it's been 246 days since the cars rolled out of the garage for the first time back in Melbourne.

But the Yas Marina circuit is actually one the drivers and teams look forward to with its near perfect weather, village vibe in the paddock and holiday atmosphere.

As the season's only twilight race, the temperature drop and mix of turns makes it a tricky race to set up a car for.

It's also one of the few remaining circuits where Daniel Ricciardo is yet to get a podium, but the Aussie holds no hard feelings.

"Yas has actually been one of my favourite tracks over the years," he said.

"It's been a bit like Suzuka for me though, a track that I've always enjoyed and gone well on but not quite reached the podium at."

"I broke that trend in Suzuka this year so hopefully I can do the same in Abu Dhabi."

Ricciardo says it's an enjoyable place to drive, both in the heat of the daytime and the cooler nighttime.

"It's a fun track to drive, I like the twilight thing and I guess because it's the end of the season it's even more enjoyable."

So can he win again?

"I think we should have a strong car in Abu Dhabi. I said I want another win before the season is out and I think we have a decent chance of achieving that."

Find out if the Aussie can see out the 2018 season with success in the Arabian night when the race begins at Midnight (AEDST) on Sunday night.

 

10 December 2018




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