ABU DHABI // Yas Marina Circuit launched its calendar for the new season with Richard Cregan, the chief executive, proclaiming that the four-year-old racetrack is set for its busiest and most ambitious year yet.
While the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on November 3 remains the crown jewel, other racing series, such as the Formula Gulf 1000 and Rotax Max Challenge, will also take place. They will be complemented by a series of health-and-fitness events, including the TriYas triathlon and the Walk 2013, a sponsored walk that Cregan expects to attract 20,000 participants in a bid to raise awareness of diabetes.
“The key thing for us is making sure Yas Marina Circuit is used,” Cregan said. “There is no point building this amazing facility for one event per year. That is why we are reaching out to our community and that is what we are trying to achieve.
“We have a great future in business and motorsport, but we need to build this and give confidence to the motorsport community, which will take time.”
While Yas will host a GP3 test immediately after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Cregan said any decision regarding a pre-season F1 winter test in early 2014 is yet to be made by the F1 teams.
“We are in discussions with them and they are in discussions with other circuits,” he said. “They have to make sure they select a venue that fits in with their schedule, but whatever works for them is fine. It is still on the table, so we await their decision.”
Dubai Autodrome has also been linked with possibly hosting a winter test, although sources at the emirate’s Motor City circuit have played down the rumour.
