Abu Dhabi extends F1 race contract

Abu Dhabi’s long-term place on the F1 calendar is secure.

The popular day-night race at the spectacular Yas Marina, scene of this weekend’s 2014 championship showdown, already had a contract through 2016.

On Thursday, the local race promoters announced they have signed a multi-year extension.

"I said when the Yas Marina Circuit was opened that it may one day be matched, but it will never be bettered," said F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone.

"Abu Dhabi has played an important part in pioneering the modern era of Formula One racing. The island has continued to transform each year. We have a wonderful partner here."

HE Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management added: "This race and the Yas Marina Circuit has introduced Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates to tens of millions of visitors and TV viewers from around the world. We remain committed to continually delivering a better experience for the Formula One family and ticket holders. It is a mark of the quality of our partnership with Formula One World Championship that we both want to focus on looking forward and on delivering many more successful races."

Abu Dhabi has sold all 60,000 race-day tickets for Sunday’s title-deciding race.