The answer’s yas

There’s something quite pathetic about going around an F1 track in a minibus. Yes, there are the chicanes that’ll churn up breakfasts faster than a food processor, hairpins that can threaten to send expensive machinery skidding towards destruction and a straight that offers some frankly bedwettingly terrifying speeds. But any element of excitement is lost when you’re pootling around it all in a 20-seater transit van – with fitted curtains – at a little under 15kph. The experience is all the less edge-of-the-seat when the only spectators watching your lacklustre lap are bemused-looking workmen in hardhats.

But for F1 fanatics, the private viewing of a brand new track as it nears completion is a special occasion, no matter what the mode of transport used to see it. And for Abu Dhabi, any glimpse at the new Yas Marina circuit is something to be treated with enormous pride. Finally, the land that has pumped so much oil into world markets is taking part in the glamorous petrol-burning ceremony it has yearned to be a part of for so long.

Reports suggest that $45 million was paid to host the fixture, but this pales into insignificance compared to the investment gone into erecting the island’s infrastructure. The track alone is scattered with superlatives and Hermann Tilke, the high profile designer brought in to plot all of its 5.55km course, will be hard pressed to top his latest creation.

But future races and plans will be forgotten for a couple of hours on November 1st. The start time of 5pm will make the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix the first ever day-night race, with 60,000 spectators watching the Arabian sunset draw a close to the 2009 season. And, for all of the billions poured in by the world’s deepest pockets, it seems that it is building up to a climax not even Flavio Briatore could have arranged. In what has become one of the most open competitions in years, Jenson Button is left clinging to the top spot with both cushioned gloves. Having unexpectedly stormed ahead at the start, the Brit has been slowly watching his lead worn down by Brawn GP teammate Rubens Barichello and Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber. To go into the UAE capital with the title still up for grabs would be a dream come true for the organisers. Publicity is key for Abu Dhabi. Anything that would ensure the world’s eyes are fixed firmly on the emirate would be considered an unparalleled success.

In any case, whether the champion is crowned at Yas Marina or not, there’s one record that all the competing drivers will be no doubt looking to break. It may be some way short of the 1 minute 40 seconds predicted on raceday, but NOX’s current lap time in a minibus is still – at the time of going to press – officially the fastest, or so we believe. The time to beat? 27 minutes, give or take a few seconds. We’re sure the record will be shattered.

For a full version of this article, see NOX39.