Etihad gives F1 champ preview of new Abu Dhabi race circuit

The 'Flying Finn' joined Etihad Airways captain Gerard Jeyalingam on the flight deck of the airline's Airbus A340 flight simulator for a 20 minute simulation flight over Abu Dhabi, including Yas island where the new circuit is currently being constructed.

Kimi visited Abu Dhabi as the special guest of Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates and sponsor of the famous Ferrari team for whom Raikkonen drives.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline is also the three-year title sponsor of next year's inaugural 'Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix', which will be staged in November 2009 at the new Yas Marina circuit on Yas Island.

Kimi accompanied Peter Baumgartner, Etihad's executive vice president marketing and product later in the day, in a real helicopter flight over the grand prix track, the first F1 driver to do so, before touching down for a quick drive around the circuit and Ferrari World.

Peter Baumgartner said:

"It has been a delight to host Kimi here in Abu Dhabi. He was impressed with everything that we showed him, from his stay at Emirates Palace to the new Ferrari World and the F1 race track, both being constructed on Yas Island by Aldar Properties. I hope Kimi and the Ferrari team will feel they are the home team next year when they return for the 2009 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix."

Etihad's involvement with the Ferrari F1 team is one of a growing number of high-profile sports sponsorships for the airline, and complements existing partnerships with Chelsea Football Club, Harlequins Rugby Football Club, the All Ireland Hurling Championships and the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.