Shell Cariphalte Racetrack paves another Formula One track

Shell Cariphalte Racetrack was selected by the racetrack contractors Cebarco-WCT, and consultants Tilke & Partners Abu Dhabi, due to its excellent suitability for withstanding the demanding conditions created during a Formula One race.

Shell Cariphalte Racetrack is a Shell-designed, high-performance binder with high shear and stress properties that allow enhanced road performance in terms of resistance to extreme heat, rutting (or deformation), cracking, stripping and ageing - important properties for roads of high intensity usage such as race tracks.

Asada Harinsuit, Shell Bitumen Vice President said,

"I am delighted with the success of Shell Cariphalte Racetrack. This is another exciting win for Shell Bitumen and reflects the strong teamwork, determination and focus on delivery by our Sales, Marketing and Technical teams"

Shell Cariphalte Racetrack meets all the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) stringent track requirements and has been used on other high-stress surfaces, including the Bahrain Formula One track, the Sepang circuit in Malaysia and the Singapore street circuit where the first night time Grand Prix was held in September 2008.

Abu Dhabi secured the right to host a Formula One Grand Prix from 2009 on a renewable seven-year term. The circuit has been built on Yas Island - a natural 2,550 hectare island located to the east of Abu Dhabi Island. At 5.6 kilometres the circuit will be one of the longest and most demanding tracks in the world, and will include an iconic grandstand hairpin for the ultimate in spectator entertainment.

Paving work was completed in late August 2009. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will take place from October 30 to November 1, 2009.