Abu Dhabi hosts the final Grand Prix of the season on a gleaming purpose-built track at Yas Marina - the championships may have been decided in Brazil but there is plenty of intrigue about the new circuit
The impressive setting holds another challenge for the drivers. The race starts at 1700 local time in daylight and ends approximately 90 minutes later under floodlights - it is Formula 1's first day/night race
Despite the sparkling facilities there are some concerns that Abu Dhabi does not have any historical links to F1 and may struggle to attract local interest, but that does not stop these fans enjoying the spectacle
F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone surveys the latest monument to his plans to expand Formula 1 around the globe - South Korea will follow Abu Dhabi on to the calendar in 2010
One of the many ground-breaking features at the new track is a pit lane that exits through a tunnel, on which there is no speed restriction
The track is built next to a marina, and has a hotel right next to it - Jenson Button's Brawn passes under a bridge that is part of the complex
Locals get their first taste of Formula 1 cars as the drivers take to the track in first practice
This is the last race for BMW, which has decided to end its involvement in F1. Its BMW Sauber team pose for a farewell photo
Kimi Raikkonen's Ferrari blasts pasts the boats in the marina as he explores the Abu Dhabi track in his Ferrari during the first session
A cunning photographer, at least two in fact, finds an interesting vantage point at the new Yas Marina circuit from which to take pictures of the cars also on a voyage of discovery in Abu Dhabi
Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel, who is aiming to hold on to the second position he currently occupies in the drivers' championship, powers his way round to finish third fastest in first practice
But it is McLaren's 2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton who tops the timesheets just ahead of his compatriot Jenson Button, the Brawn driver who took the drivers' crown this year
Seven-times world champion Michael Schumacher (left) chats to recuperating driver Felipe Massa (right) near to the Ferrari garage in Abu Dhabi
The practice sessions were moved later in the day so the drivers could prepare for the twilight conditions in which the race will be held - Raikkonen's Ferrari is silhouetted against the setting sun
New world champion Jenson Button zooms round the track at dusk as the second practice session takes place under darkening skies, eventually finishing third fastest
The Yas Hotel is festooned in blue lights, which provide a spectacular backdrop for Heikki Kovalainen's McLaren as he sets the fastest time in the second session
McLaren's Heikki Kovalainen comes through late on to snatch the quickest time of the second practice session for the final race of the season from team-mate Lewis Hamilton
What are these?
E-mail this to a friend 
Bookmark with:
What are these?