Abu Dhabi to become twilight race

[jab]

I'll edit in a full link with details when I find one, but the BBC ticker is reporting that Abu Dhabi's start time has been changed

Originally Posted by BBC

Start time of final grand prix of season in Abu Dhabi changed to make it twilight race

This was always a possibility - they had said a while back that they were considering a "unique" start time, and the circuit was designed with night races in mind. So no major surprise

[TwoSheds]

New time table is:

Local time:-

Fri 30 October 2009
Friday Practice 1 13:00 - 14:30
Friday Practice 2 17:00 - 18:30
Sat 31 October 2009
Saturday Practice 14:00 - 15:00
Qualifying 17:00
Sun 01 November 2009
Race 17:00


UK GMT :-

Fri 30 October 2009
Friday Practice 1 09:00 - 10:30
Friday Practice 2 13:00 - 14:30
Sat 31 October 2009
Saturday Practice 10:00 - 11:00
Qualifying 13:00
Sun 01 November 2009
Race 13:00

[jab]

Originally Posted by Jonathan Noble

broadcasters have been told that the Abu Dhabi GP will start at 5pm this year, but the track itself insists the 3pm slot stands....

hmm, interesting. I detect the hand of Bernard

[Dan Friel]

TV rules!

[Marbot]

It's now on the Autosport site.

[Marbot]

Abu Dhabi confirms 'twilight' race start.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/78061

[strider]

Does this mean it's going to be a race on the dark side?

I hear the pit exit is through a tunnel.

[Peter Mallett]

Look for the empty grandstands then. Sunday is a working day so a late night makes Monday even worse. Normal working hours are 7:00am to 4pm.

Edit, just looked at the timetable. Early evening may not be so bad then.

[BootsOntheSide]

A bad decision on so many levels. It's patronising to European fans, who are perfectly happy to watch a race at 11am instead of 1pm - and worse for viewers in the Americas, who could be witnessing a potential title challenge. It's a complete waste of money, especially if the actual effects of low sunlight will be minimised due to expensive technology. What happens if we get a freak rainstorm like the Qatar MotoGP race, let alone a technical failure or terrorist attack? F1 doesn't exist to showcase money-rich culture-poor economies, it exists to provide racing entertainment for the fans.

[djb]

Originally Posted by BootsOntheSide

F1 doesn't exist to showcase money-rich culture-poor economies, it exists to provide racing entertainment for the fans.

I am afraid you have been misinformed Boots.

[PULSERACING]

As one of the lucky marshalls to be going to this event to wave some flags i personally dont mind what time the event is held and the plan is for flood lighting around the track so the sky will darken around 17:45 but full visibility will continue and it will be efectively a day race. Bernie knows his business well and the euro crowd are vital as far as viewing figures so its a comercial decision. At least you can sit down and watch some good racing when there is normally chuf all on.

[Bodysnatcher]

nah, not worth it

[Fox89]

I'm absolutely fine with this as a viewer, my only worry is of course driver visibility. Now I know reps from Yas Marina have said "Not to worry, before the race Singapore-esque floodlights will be on, so the drivers will have consistent light"... but what about the low sun blinding them? That was half the problem in Melbourne.

If they are cunning however, the low sun could be hidden by grandstands or hills or something along those lines, and if that's the case then it'll be absolutely fine. Incidentally, I had a look at the circuit through that rubbish game on the official website, as well as simulated drives, designs and that sort of thing, and I'm quite liking it so far. Puts me in mind of Malaysia which is one of my favourite tracks on the current calender.

[MattFord]

[QUOTE=PULSERACING;2530542]As one of the lucky marshalls to be going to this event to wave some flagsQUOTE]

Are you on the short or extended trip?

[Bryan Degerlund]

[QUOTE=MattFord;2530655]

Originally Posted by PULSERACING

As one of the lucky marshalls to be going to this event to wave some flagsQUOTE]

Are you on the short or extended trip?

As he claims his first time for marshalling was in July 2009, (previous post on Marshals Forum) I would imagine he is on a different type of trip.

[duke_toaster]

A day-night race could be spectacular, however I still think that a better venue for the final race of the season would be in the United States. Or even Brazil.

[Marbot]

Originally Posted by duke_toaster

Or even Brazil.

Nah! That would never work.

Mind you though,I think that Abu Dhabi could really throw the championship wide open if someone 'flicks the switch' and nothing happens.

[Bononi]

Originally Posted by duke_toaster

Or even Brazil.

It never worked.




I can't see a final race in USA unless it's in Las Vegas.

[Fox89]

I'm relatively hopeful Abu Dhabi will be a good season finale. I mean, they really are trying to pull out all the stops to make it as grand a spectacle as they can. They have a pit lane exit that goes through a tunnel for crying out loud. A tunnel!!! In the evening! Under floodlights!

I don't see that getting old any time soon

[1200Datto27]

I would like to see the wheel hub covers banned for the night races, so that we can see the brake rotors glowing in the dark.

[Marbot]

I would just like to see them banned.

[fourWheelDrift]

Originally Posted by Marbot

I would just like to see them banned.

I agree, like many developments over the years the rules allow them and they give a small advantage, pretty soon everyones got them and the advantage is gone. That is fine if the development looks like it is leading somewhere with some point to it but in many cases including this one it is pointless once it is no longer a differentiator, get rid of 'em now.

[Marbot]

Maybe next season the advantage that they give will be negated by the need to change the tyres more quickly.We can only hope.

[PULSERACING]

Feel pretty stupid now. On contacting the organisers i have been told " my lack of experience and knowledge is insufficient to allow me to participate " so ill be joining the arm chair enthusiasts in blighty. Good job it was doubted , nearly packed my speedos. Thanks Bryan Degerlund.

[Matt]

Originally Posted by Fox89

but what about the low sun blinding them? That was half the problem in Melbourne.

NASCAR drivers have had to deal with that for years and years and years. I guess that makes them more adapting than the F1 drivers?