Abu Dhabi finale to become twilight race

Organisers of the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix have confirmed that the start time of the race has been put back by two hours in order to cater more for European television viewers. The move means that the venue's first Formula One event will now be taking place in 'twilight' hours, as were the Australian and Malaysian races.

With its original 3pm local start time now being moved to 5pm, the first race in the United Arab Emirates will now be an early or mid-afternoon event for European viewers as opposed to late morning or early afternoon depending on your location.

The move, suggested by F1 commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone, has been met with mixed opinions after drivers were blinded by the rays of a setting sun in Melbourne at the start of the season.


Local Abu Dhabi session times are now as follows:


Friday 30 October:

Friday Practice 1: 13:00 - 14:30
Friday Practice 2: 17:00 - 18:30

Saturday 31 October:

Saturday Practice: 14:00 - 15:0
Qualifying: 17:00

Sunday 1 November:

Race: 17:00


(Abu Dhabi's local time is on GMT offset +4)

Source: GP Update