The 2011 season is slowly wending its way towards a conclusion, with just two races left to go. This penultimate round is to be held in Abu Dhabi, with the Yas Marina circuit hosting not only the Grand Prix itself, but also a young driver test in the days that follow. The Abu Dhabi race has something of a reputation for not being particularly entertaining, but the FIA have been tweaking DRS in an attempt to change things.

Event schedule

Along with the young drivers making an appearance next week, we'll also see Robert Wickens taking a turn in the Virgin Racing car for Friday Practice. He'll take the place of Jérôme D'Ambrosio. The battle is on at the back of the championship as well, as Team Lotus eagerly try to cling on to their tenth place championship position. They've got two races left to keep their position as best of the new teams for the second year in a row.

Towards the front, Sebastian Vettel will be keen on adding more pole positions and race wins to his growing statistic and trophy collections. McLaren, Ferrari, and his own teammate Mark Webber will be keen on stopping him, however, Vettel has won both of the two races that have been held at Yas.

Support racing for this event includes Porsche GT3 Challenge ME, Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, GP2 (non-championship).

The weather

The long range weather forecasts have sunshine throughout the weekend, with temperatures soaring.

Circuit map

The circuit

The Yas Marina Circuit is flat, especially when compared to the elevation changes we saw in India. The race adds something of a challenge as evening turns to twilight turns to night, and floodlights change the visibility completely. Thankfully, the mechanics have the benefit of air conditioning in the garages, as the temperatures can get pretty high during the day.

A long track, with several straights, the circuit lacks overtaking opportunities. However, Charlie Whiting has confirmed the introduction of two DRS zones for the Abu Dhabi race, with two distinct activation points. One will be on the long back straight, and the other on the subsequent straight leading to turns 11 and 12.

Tyre compounds

Press conference schedule

Official press conferences are organised by the FIA and happen four times during the weekend. The qualifying and post race press conferences will take place after the television unilateral interviews.

Race stewards

The FIA stewarding process was changed last year to include a former F1 driver to give added insight. These are the stewards overseeing this weekend's action.