The 2015 Formula 1 season comes to an end this weekend with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This is a unique Grand Prix not only because the Yas Marina circuit is run counterclockwise but the race will occur from sunset into darkness, natural light into artificial light.
McLaren Honda go into the weekend with a sense of relief that the bleeding suffered during 2015 is about to end. That said, they are looking forward to progress in 2016 as they continue to develop parts to learn from and apply that knowledge to the 2016 car. Both drivers have said they plan to give their all as they aim for a respectable result to cap off the season.
Elsewhere on the grid we can expect some tighter racing as there is little at stake with no follow-on races and both constructors and
WDC
battles settled. We have no reason to believe Mercedes won’t be dominant but Ferrari has made some late-season gains which should show up on a circuit like this. Williams will be looking to save face from what has been a somewhat disappointing season while Red Bull tries to show just how far they can push their package under adverse circumstances relative to the front runners.
US TV TIMES
Practice: Friday November 27th, 8:00AM
EST
,
NBCSN
Qualifying: Saturday November 28th, 8:00AM
EST
,
CNBC
Race: Sunday November 29th, 7:30AM
EST
,
NBCSN
CIRCUIT
INFORMATION
Lap data
Lap length: 5.554km (3.451 miles)
Race laps: 55
Race distance: 305.355km (189.739 miles)
Pole position: Right-hand side of the track
Lap record*: 1’40.279 (199.388 kph) by Sebastian Vettel, 2009
Fastest lap: 1’38.434 (203.125 kph) by Lewis Hamilton, 2011
Maximum speed: 320kph (198.839 mph)
DRS
zone/s (race): Two straights
Distance from grid to turn one: 300m
Car performance
Full throttle: 59%
Longest flat-out section: 1233m
Downforce level: High
Gear changes per lap: 68
Fuel use per lap: 1.8kg
Time penalty per lap of fuel: 0.054s
Strategy
Quickest complete pit stop in 2013: 21.175s by Red Bull (see full list)
2014 prime tyre: Soft (2013: Medium)
2014 option tyre: Super-soft (2013: Soft)
*Fastest lap set during a Grand Prix
Data sources:
FIA
, Williams, Mercedes
2014 (V6
TURBO
ERA
) RESULTS
Race Info.
Pole: Nico Rosberg – Mercedes
Race laps: 55
Fast race lap: Daniel Ricciardo – Red Bull, 1:44.496
Podium
1. Lewis Hamilton – Mercedes
2. Felipe Massa – Williams Mercedes
3. Valtteri Bottas – Williams Mercedes
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