Since 2021, the layout of the Yas Marina circuit has undergone a significant change with a reduction in the number of turns. Until 2020, the track had 21 turns, featuring a good mix of slow and fast corners. The new layout now emphasizes faster corners, with 8 right turns and 8 left turns. With a length of 5.281 km and 58 laps to cover during the GP, the cars will travel approximately 306 km to close the 2023 season. There are two DRS zones on the track, one between turns 5 and 6, and the other on the false straight from 7 to 9. Let’s now explore what else characterizes the Abu Dhabi track in our track analysis.
The track, rich in different types of corners, should lead teams to opt for a setup with medium aerodynamic load. Crucial also is the management of the differential strategies during the entry and traversal phases of the various corners. High asphalt evolution values could facilitate tire management during the race.
Sector 1 Abu Dhabi Track
The lap of the track starts with a short straight, bringing the cars to a speed close to 280 km/h. From here, the cars will face a 90-degree left turn preceded by a sharp braking with almost 5 G of deceleration. On exit, drivers need to pay attention to track limits and accelerate towards the fast section of the circuit. Sections 2-3-4 will see drivers adjust the differential settings to have a car capable of transferring the right torque to the outer wheel during acceleration. Attention is also needed for ground clearances and bottoming, which could destabilize the car in direction changes. This is followed by a slight descent leading to the conclusion of the first sector in turn 5.
Sector 2
The second part of the track appears as one of the less dense in terms of corners but still presents technical challenges. As the cars reach turn 5, they will be engaged in a pronounced braking with 4.8 G of deceleration. Moreover, the width of this corner allows for different interpretations of the ideal trajectory to achieve the best time. With such a wide hook, taking the right line to accelerate and exit as fast as possible is crucial. This opens up the longest straight on the track, including the first DRS zone of the lap. Speeds at the end of the straight could reach around 330 km/h, and braking to enter turn 6 will be crucial. Here, estimated deceleration values should be around 5 G, with drivers needing to be wary of potential lock-ups. After the braking, a tight left-right sequence presents itself, demanding a strong front end and ample traction to navigate it. The latter is crucial to accelerate quickly towards the second stretch of the track where DRS can be activated.
Sector 3 Abu Dhabi Analysis
Arriving at turn 9, the track features the most noticeable modification, a spoon with a slight positive banking that allows cars to be very fast. In this particular corner, the differential setup will be crucial, with suitable opening values to tackle this long left turn. From here, the track continues into the slowest section, requiring excellent balance between the front and rear axles. The sequence of 90-degree turns will test the front axle and the differential, which must manage the torque efficiently to close the trajectories.
Pirelli Tires for the Final Race of 2023
The Italian manufacturer has chosen to bring the softest compounds available in the F1 range. This decision goes against the trend compared to the loads exerted on the tires in the different fast corners. However, the asphalt configuration is not excessively abrasive, allowing for good tire management throughout the race.
Source: f1ingenerale
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