"Abu Dhabi is the only new circuit we´ll be visiting this year", says Mario Theissen. "We´re looking forward to the debut GP in a region which offers significant opportunities economically."

Fans can expect a spectacular atmosphere at the marina circuit, which is built on an artificial island given over almost exclusively to leisure activities. "Hopefully the battle for the 2009 World Championship will again come down to the last race of the season - and hopefully we´ll play a more prominent role in the race than in Brazil in 2008."

In Abu Dhabi the teams will be relying one hundred percent on our simulation programs, with which we had very good experiences last season in Singapore and Valencia.

"It is good that we will have something new to explore once again in 2009", says Nick Heidfeld. "I always like to visit new venues and circuits, and you can see how quickly the individual drivers become accustomed to the new track."