Formula One news

Senna drives 'cool' Abu Dhabi circuit

Bruno Senna became the first international racing driver to tour the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi this week. The Brazilian admits that he is excited by the brand-new track which will be hosting the United Arab Emirates' first ever Formula One Grand Prix this year and the last of the 2009 World Championship season.

Bruno hopes to follow in the footsteps of late triple World Champion uncle Ayrton

With the title fight still very much on and Abu Dhabi holding a 1 November slot for its race, the venue could be the scene of a last race title decider for 2009; whatever the circumstances in the championship, the race is highly likely to be an exciting affair as Formula One welcomes a new country to the championship for the first time since Singapore in September last year.

"Every driver from every class is really excited about the new Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi," said former GP2 and current Le Mans Series driver Senna, who hopes to move into F1 next season. "It seems that the state-of-the-art facilities, together with a demanding track layout, will be a new and tough challenge to drivers and teams!"

Senna has spent his 2009 season in the Le Mans Series with the Oreca team

Having been the first professional driver to sample the 21-turn, 5.5km (3.5mi) track, how does Bruno rate the venue? "I would say the layout is quite selective," he described. "It is not exactly the same as Bahrain, where you can find at least four overtaking points, but you can earn a position in one place or another - the 1.2 kilometre-long straight will ease that, for sure. Some corners are crazy as the cars will pass very close to the wall, like in the IndyCar series - this mix of characteristics is cool."

Having not been selected to join Jenson Button at Brawn GP this season, is Senna still progressing with plans to move into F1? "I am currently in the middle of some very positive discussions with a handful of teams regarding an F1 seat next season," the 25-year-old confirmed. "Talks are, of course, at an early stage but I'm certainly hoping for some good news as things progress."

more news

• 22 Nov.
  • Photos: 2009 Toyota Motor Sports Festival
  • Vettel didn´t expect Button´s McLaren deal
• 21 Nov.
  • Mercedes: No Schumacher drive with us
  • López close to USF1 deal
  • Options open for Bourdais
• 20 Nov.
  • FIA was using new teams, says Lola
  • Rossi and Newey to contest endurance race
  • Wolff: Worth of privateers on the up
  • Equity sale for 'private motives' - Williams
  • USF1 considering 12 drivers
  • Photos: SKUSA karting event, Las Vegas
  • Buemi and Schumacher to kart in Las Vegas
  • Clock ticking for Silverstone
  • Williams sells first shares
  • Official: Bianchi handed Ferrari test
  • My door is open, says Trulli
  • Button: I needed a new challenge
• 19 Nov.
  • Brawn 'very disappointed' with Button outcome
  • Sons release birthday song for Jackie Stewart
  • Räikkönen: No talks with Brawn
  • No early Brawn exit for Button
  • 'Unfinished business' for Räikkönen
  • 2010: How the grid is shaping up
• 18 Nov.
  • Button move a mistake, says Stewart
  • Donington goes into administration
  • Villeneuve working on F1 comeback
  • Whitmarsh: Money not the reason for Button move
  • Hamilton: Button arrival fantastic news
  • Button: Difficult decision to leave Brawn
  • Confirmed: Button partners Hamilton at McLaren
  • Kubica to compete in second rally
  • Webber drives GP3 car in France
  • 'Bianchi to test Ferrari at Jerez'
  • Prize-winning Wilson drives McLaren
  • Brawn: Button-McLaren talk not helpful
  • Sabbatical year for Räikkönen in 2010
  • Drivers preparing for Toyota Motor Sport Festival
• 17 Nov.
  • Di Montezemolo to quit as FOTA Chairman?
  • 'Brawn and Button just sparring' - Ecclestone
  • 'Button agrees terms with McLaren'

Homepage