You can see the latest construction images above straight from the track at Abu Dhabi.

In response to the announcement of Abu Dhabi GP in the 2009 formula one calendar, His Excellency Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Motor Sport Management (ADMM) and Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority (EAA) said:

“This is another important milestone for the 2009 Formula 1^™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. There has been a great deal of speculation about the timing of our race and we are delighted with the provisional date of 15 November 2009 as this is the last race of the season and potentially the Championship decider. This timing also ensures that visitors to the Emirate will be able to enjoy some of the best weather Abu Dhabi has to offer.”

Also commenting on the announcement, Philippe Gurdjian, CEO of Abu Dhabi Motor Sport Management (ADMM) said:

“It is great to have a provisional date set for the race but in reality our work has progressed so well that we will be ready in time for any occurrence. Construction of Yas Marina Circuit has advanced substantially and we are confident that when the final result is unveiled in November 2009, Abu Dhabi will set a unique standard in the world of motorsport.”

The Force India formula one team talks about its home grand prix in their latest release. Every team member is enthusiastic about the race and their new aero package. Giancarlo Fisichella also talks about his horrible accident, he reckons, it looked worse that it was. Read the whole press release here :

1 July 2008 - The British Grand Prix later this week will mark the mid-point of Force India’s debut Formula One World Championship season. It’s an appropriate place for the team to reach this milestone given the Silverstone Circuit, where the race is held, is right opposite Force India’s HQ. 

As such, the British Grand Prix is seen by many as the team’s ‘home’ race. Although preparations continue as normal, with the cars re-built at the factory and then taken on a transporter over to the circuit, it does make the event a special one for the team and their families.

Following a solid French Grand Prix Force India will be looking to move forward at Silverstone. At a three-day test at the same circuit last week, the team debuted a major new aero and mechanical package comprising new sidepods, bargeboards, diffuser, front wing, engine cover, inerter damper and further suspension modifications. With the developments looking positive, the team has every hope of an improved finish in the ninth round of the 18-round series. 

Dr. Vijay Mallya, chairman and managing director
‘The British Grand Prix will be a special race for the Force India Formula One Team. With the history and heritage of this team and its location just opposite the main gates of the circuit, it’s obviously considered by the team as its home race.
‘In the past, when this team was Jordan Grand Prix, there was a real buzz whenever it came to Silverstone. The fans supported it, the media enjoyed it and the atmosphere in the factory was by all accounts electric. This team now really needs to remember those days and try and recapture some of the spirit. We’re moving forward, that’s for sure, and step by step improving, but I really want everyone to feel proud of where we are and what we have achieved. It’s this race in particular that really fires everyone up, let’s put this energy into a great performance in front of our ‘home’ crowd.’

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2009 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar (provisional)
29 March Australia
5 April Malaysia
19 April Bahrain
10 May Spain
24 May Monaco
7 June Canada
21 June Great Britain
28 June France
12 July Germany
26 July Hungary
9 August Turkey
23 August Europe (Valencia)
6 September Italy
13 September Belgium
27 September Singapore
11 October Japan
18 October China
1 November Brazil
15 November Abu Dhabi

The calendar will start at Australia as usual and heads to the European phase after Malaysia and Bahrain (Asia). The last race is the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

He minces no words, the iceman. Kimi Raikkonen in a candid interview after the Canadian Grand Prix wonders how Hamilton was unable to see 2 cars and a red light both. All through he keeps suggesting that Lewis Hamilton’s actions were deliberate. To me too personally it seems that there was something fishy in the whole accident. Anyway this is what Kimi Raikkonen had to say:

“It was a bitter disappointment we had at Montreal. I still can’t believe it, that someone can hit you while you are standing at the red light next to another car. I can’t imagine how Hamilton could not see the red lights and the two cars standing in front of him. I think that Hamilton deserved the penalty. He looses ten positions on the grid for the next race in France, which will make it more difficult for him at Magny-Cours.

Anyway we lost the possibility to have a good result in Canada. At the moment when the safety car came on the track, my car was running very fast: we could have won, or, in the worst case, become second. On Saturday we had some problems during Qualifying because of the breaking surface of the track. The same thing happened then at the beginning of the race. When the rear tyres were clean and the graining was gone and they started to work well, we were really fast: we drove the fastest race lap and we managed to do a great pitstop and we put the car in the front. I was ready to fight and overtake Kubica, once the lights were green. But I didn’t have the time, as Hamilton crashed into my back and the race was over. I’m not angry. Just disappointed, surprised and frustrated at the same time. He knew that the lights were red. Accidents happen, but it’s difficult not to see two cars stopped.

Seven races are done and the last two I didn’t bring home any points. Nobody could foresee that. I’m not in a strong position anymore. But it’s not the end of the world. We have not lost that much ground. I’m fourth in the Championships. Exactly where I was last year and just like last year there’s still a long way to go. It was good for us that Kubica won. Congratulations to him and to the team! Honestly, it’s better he got the 10 points than Hamilton. BMW has all the time been there this season and when something went wrong for us they benefited from that.

I came back from Montreal with a really good impression of the F2008 and I’m sure that we can win again very soon. Because now we go to circuits where we are usually very strong. You know that I don’t like to look behind: I’m concentrated on the French GP, where I want to repeat last year’s result, when we brought home a wonderful one-two win.”

Well you can love him, you can hate him but you cant ignore him. After effectively deciding the finishing order at Canada, Lewis was giving an interview about how he is all set for Magny Cours.

Quoting him :

“Going forward the mood is strong.

The fact is we destroyed everyone at the weekend(Canada). With the car we have right now there is no stopping us.” Hamilton Said

Hmmmm , I don’t think Lewis you “destroyed” everyone , just the scarlet car that mattered

There is no stopping him too, even red lights proved inadequate, only another car was able to stop him in his path.