Lauded as one of the most sophisticated motorsport circuits ever built, Yas Marina Circuit is ready to host the highly-anticipated Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in just a few day's time. These photos capture the journey of the past two and a half years.

Picture 1: Aerial View of YMC Before Construction

Located on the North East side of Abu Dhabi's mainland, Yas Island is 2,500 hectares or 25 square kilometres. Prior to 2007, Yas Island had no amenities or facilities - including roads, electricity or water supply. Conveniently located, Yas Island is 20 minutes from the centre of Abu Dhabi, 10 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and 50 minutes from Dubai.

Picture 2: Aerial View of Yas Marina Circuit May 08

By May 2008, the Yas Marina Circuit foundations are clearly visible from the air.

Picture 3: Aerial View of Yas Marina Circuit May 08

By May 2008, work on the Main Grandstand is underway. More than 6,000 spectators are entertained in the Main Grandstand opposite the Pit Building and garages. For many fans, this is the heart of the action, where the team pit garages and pit stops take place, of course, the location of the start and finish line as well as the victory podium.

Picture 4: Main Grandstand, Pit lane and The Yas Hotel Nov 08

By November 2008, substantial progress continues on the Main Grandstand, Pit Buildings and the Yas Hotel, with Yas Marina clearly defined. The pit buildings contain 40 independent garages, each 140 square metres, fully air conditioned with an air-wall at exit onto pit lane. The pit building houses the team's two race cars, all spare parts, engineering equipment and the computer data storage and analysis equipment. Between 75 and 100 people will work in each respective team's garage.

Picture 5: Night time view from North Grandstand Oct 09

October 2009, the night time view from the North Grandstand, looking down the section of the track where the drivers will wrestle through the chicane and hairpin and exit onto the longest straight in Formula 1.

Picture 6: View along the Main Straight to Shams Tower Oct 09

October 2009, the home straight with Shams Tower in the background. 'Shams' is Arabic for sun, and the tower has inbuilt solar panels to generate electricity for the tower.

Picture 7: Yas Island Masterplan Rendering

When completed Yas Island will be a premier mixed use development with theme parks, golf courses, and world class hotels.

Yas Marina Circuit Fact Sheet

Development Statistics

Work on Yas Marina Circuit began in February 2007, and has included: