Bernie Ecclestone clearly believes in the old adage “when one door closes, another opens” as he confirms the news that Abu Dhabi is to host its first Formula One Grand Prix at the end of 2009. Australia could be the door that closes.

“We are delighted to welcome Abu Dhabi into the Formula One family,” Ecclestone said at the time of the announcement last year, “and look forward to a long and successful partnership. Abu Dhabi's hospitality, the genuine warmth of its people, and ever increasing number of world class facilities, will ensure that its round of the FIA Formula One World Championship is a wonderful addition to the Formula One calendar.”

The Abu Dhabi GP will be held in October, but there is no information yet on whether it will round off the season or not. The decision has also been taken to make the track a permanent one after early indications were of a semi-fixed structure that links to some streets in front of the marina on Yas Island where the race is to be held. Abu Dhabi is of course the capital city of the seven United Arab Emirates (UAE) which include Dubai. Abu Dhabi is also the home of Ferrari’s rollercoaster which would have opened before the race, so for those who would not be able to make the GP, at least they could ride a "Ferrari" that's just as quick as Kimi's.