ALLAN JACOB (ABU DHABI)
The Abu Dhabi and Qatar Formula 1 races have received their final confirmations from the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the governing body of motorsport.
The Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Etihad Grand Prix race will be held at the Yas Marina Circuit December 3 to 6 and the Qatar Grand Prix will run from November 27 to 29, the FIA’s senior official said on Tuesday.
The confirmation by FIA chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem put to rest all uncertainty about the races which fueled speculation that Imola in Italy could play host to wrap up the racing calendar.
Ben Sulayem said on Instagram that the FIA is “ready” to hold the season-ending races in the two cities.
“The countdown has begun for Qatar and Abu Dhabi," he said. “We are fully prepared and committed to delivering two outstanding Grand Prix weekends and a spectacular conclusion to the Formula One World Championship,” he said in the post, adding that preparations were on for the two races.
“We look forward to welcoming drivers, teams and fans to two iconic circuits for an unforgettable finish to the season,” the FIA chief said.
All eyes will be on Italian sensation Kimi Antonelli who has already bagged the drivers' world championship title going into the final two races. His team, Mercedes, also took the constructors' crown last weekend in São Paulo, Brazil.