After two practices at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi today drivers will prepare for a third practice and a qualifying round tomorrow.

Brawn GP driver Jensen Button came in second in the first Friday practice session today, which commenced at 7:30 am local time,  Button’s time was 1:44.035. He came in third in latter Friday practice session, with a time of 1:41.541.

McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton came in ahead of Button in the first practice, and McLaren drivers Heikki Kovalainen and Hamilton came in first and second respectively in the second Friday practice.

The New Yas Hotel over the Yas Marina Circuit, The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend marks the end of the 2009 Formula One season.

This weekend marks the finale in the 2009 Formula One racing season and Brawn GP, fresh off their duel Driver’s and Constructor’s World Championships in Brazil earlier this month, will work to further their glory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Brawn GP printed the following Race Preview:

“The inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the final round of the 2009 Formula One season, takes place this weekend at the new Yas Marina Circuit on the eastern side of Abu Dhabi.

The spectacular 5.554km track, designed by renowned Formula One architect Hermann Tilke, is located on Yas Island just thirty minutes from Abu Dhabi city. Running alongside Yas Island’s new marina, the anti-clockwise circuit has many unique features including a pitlane exit which crosses under the circuit and part of the track passing under the Yas Marina Hotel.

Abu Dhabi will host Formula One’s first twilight race with the lights going out in late daylight conditions at 17:00hrs on Sunday and the chequered flag falling in the evening around ninety minutes later. With Brawn GP and Jenson Button successfully securing the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships at the last race in Brazil, the team are now looking forward to putting on a great show in Abu Dhabi this weekend at the final race of the season.”

In a statement published on Brawn GP’s official website, driver Jensen Button said that he is entering the Abu Dhabi race considerably more relaxed after having achieved the World Championship in Brazil. Button said he had a chance to see the new track recently and is looking forward to the race.

Here’s the schedule for Formula One fans who plan on following the events this weekend:
(all times are local)

Friday 30 October
Practice 1: 1300 – 1430
Practice 2: 1700 – 1830

Saturday 31 October
Practice 3: 1400 – 1500
Qualifying: 1700 – 1800

Sunday 1 November
Race: 1700

Signage at the Circuit.

Yas Marina Circuit Stats

Circuit Length: 5.554km
Race Distance: 305.470km
Number of Laps: 55

Full Throttle: 60%
Brake Wear: High
Tyre Compounds: Soft / Medium
Downforce Level: High – 8/10
Tyre Usage: Medium
Average Speed: 188kph (117mph)

The start and finish straight at the new Yas Marina Circuit.

Stay with Singlemalt TV for updates on Brawn GP as the weekend unfolds!