Abu Dhabi’s Ferrari World to get F1 spec racetrack

Abu Dhabi is probably tired of Dubai always stealing the thunder as the star of the United Arab Emirates, but that may change with the construction of a Formula One spec race track as part of a Ferrari based theme park already under construction. Located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, the Ferrari World location will include hotels, a shopping complex and beach reports in addition to the race track. The theme park will open its doors in 2008, and will include virtual driving simulations as well as the racing circuit.

The latest news is that the planners might be preparing a bid to host a new F1 race there as early as 2009. The local ruling family of Abu Dhabi is already involved in the Formula One scene as a part-owner and sponsor of Ferrari, however, nearby Bahrain is still in a multi-year deal with F1 management to be the exclusive host of the motorsport in that region.