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Abu Dhabi Circuit Lacks Run-Offs, Walls Closer to the Stands

The drivers heading to  Yas Marina layout in Abu Dhabi for the 2009 Formula One season finale are in for a real treat. According to former Grand Prix driver David Coulthard, who recently got a close-up view of the aforementioned circuit, the walls are much closer to the track as compared to the other circuits in the F1 calendar.

It seems that the organizers wanted to bring the F1 action much closer to the fans – the tickets for the inaugural F1 Grand Prix in the United Arab Emirates are already sold out – and consequently got rid of the expansive areas of run-off for safety.

However, that doesn't mean that the drivers' safety was affected in any way, as the lack of run-off areas was substituted by “the extensive use of polyethylene foam-filled energy-absorbing barriers, otherwise known as 'Tecpro',” as reported by the GMM news agency.

These types of barriers do a better job absorbing the energy of a potential impact during the F1 action, and provide an extra amount of protection for the drivers. Basically, the Abu Dhabi barriers will resemble the ones used in high-speed circuits which are able to absorb collision energies at up to 200 km/h (124 mph).

This won't be the first time the organizers of a Formula One race will use Tecpro for setting up their walls, as Barcelona, Singapore and Monza – having high-speed characteristics – are also constant users of those types of barriers.

There has to be a penalty for going off a circuit. It should not be a big crash that ends up hurting you, but there has to be a price to pay. And I think this track has redefined the FIA safety standards because of the safety barriers,” said DC, welcoming the new “no run-off area” concept picked up by the Abu Dhabi organizers for their modern F1 track.
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