Vettel wins first ever Abu Dhabi Grand Prix01/11/2009

Inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix won by Vettel 

Vettel led team-mate Mark Webber across the line, with newly crowned champion Jenson Button battling Webber hard and taking third. All podium finishers used the same tyre strategy.

Abu Dhabi provides thrilling end to season

“What a way to end a thrilling season of Formula One racing, with a great battle right to the chequered flag at this fabulous new circuit. Congratulations to Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull Racing for their win today. It has been a pleasure to be part of this exciting season, with so many changes and the return of slick tyres. We must say a big thank you to all of the teams who make this such a great sport which so many people enjoy around the world. Also thank you to all our staff, who work so hard throughout the year. This was Bridgestone’s 13^th year in Formula One and we saw the 150^th GP race win on our tyres. We now look forward to 2010 full of expectation for another exciting and dramatic year.”

Hiroshi Yasukawa – Director of Bridgestone Motorsport

Yas Marina is fantastic new track

“Today the track continued to improve so we saw lap times improve all through the race. The medium showed very good performance and the soft was very durable, as seen by those making only one pit stop. Overall we are happy with today’s performance. The Yas Marina Circuit is a fantastic new track and we have learnt a lot on our first visit. This has been a great year and everyone has adapted very well to the many changes including slick tyres and no in-season testing. We now look to our preparations for 2010, with no refuelling and narrower front tyres.”

Hirohide Hamashima - Bridgestone Director of Motorsport Tyre Development

Stats of the Day

Tyres used: Medium / Soft