Yas Marina Circuit will play host to a special event during the five-day FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 2019 festival.
Organisers have announced a team cycle race in memory of Charlie Whiting, the much-loved F1® race director who passed away during the Melbourne Grand Prix earlier this year after a motorsport career lasting more than 40 years.
Open to all travelling Formula 1®, F2 and F4UAE staff who will be in Abu Dhabi for the season finale as well as on-site support staff from Yas Marina Circuit, the race will use the full 5.5km closed circuit and will see 40 teams of up to 5 riders each use two bikes to complete 10 laps of the circuit in a timed relay event.
This format means each rider will complete two full laps before passing over the reins to a teammate.
Of course, in a fitting tribute to Charlie’s memory, the race is to be timed using the official F1® timing system, with transponders fitted to one of each team’s bike. After two consecutive laps are completed by each rider, the transponder will be transferred to the second team bike during the transition phase.
Following the relay race, prizes will be awarded at ceremony on the F1® Podium for the first, second and third-placed teams.
The race will be filmed, with official timing pages produced and will be available on Formula 1® and Yas Marina Circuit social media platforms.