V8 Supercars: Abu Dhabi May Host Round In 2010

THE V8 SUPERCARS CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES is poised to increase its international reach after it was revealed the category is likely to race at Abu Dhabi’s new Yas Marina circuit next year.

Series organisers are reportedly considering the prospect of opening the 2010 season with back-to-back events in the Middle-East during February, starting with the Desert 400 in Bahrain before moving to the United Arab Emirates.

Adelaide’s traditional season opening Clipsal 500 would retain its usual March slot, while the V8s are in line to again return as a support category at the Australian Grand Prix.

The championship would be extended to 15 events, with both Winton and Queensland Raceway retaining their places on the calendar.

While V8 organisers declined to comment on the speculation when asked by AAP, a spokesperson from Bahrain International Circuit told the Gulf Daily News the venue would be thrilled to host the opening race of the championship.

However, the spokesperson did concede the venue is yet to engage in any talks with V8 Supercars boss Tony Cochrane regarding a potential date shift.

"It is always a pleasure to be the first host venue of the new season in whatever racing series, especially a major one such as V8 Supercars,” he said.

“There is the added spectacle and interest that comes with the new year, and whether we host it at the start or the end of the calendar, we are always happy to have the V8 Supercars in Bahrain."

The V8 Supercars Series has travelled to Bahrain each season since 2006, and ranks only behind the annual Formula 1 race as the most popular motorsport event in the Kingdom.

Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina circuit meanwhile was built specifically to entice Formula 1 to the emirate, and will make its international bow at the season ending race in November.

Located on Yas Island, the Herman Tilke-designed 5.55km long circuit is likely to be one of the most innovative and picturesque venues in world motorsport, and will become only the third fly away event in V8 series history.