Why does Tilke have a monopoly on modern track design? who are the competitors if any?

His track designs do not use the surrounding environment as an influencing factor. They are mathematically designed to bring modern F1 vehicles to their limits safely.

 

oh and Philippe Gurdjian has been in charge of this track. I **think** he is also the owner or CEO of the Abu Dhabi Motor Sport Management (ADMM) who are in charge of developing and maintaining this track and its surrounding facilities.

 

Tracks need to effectively use the environment they're built upon as a challenge for the drivers and vehicles, and have unique features that differentiate one specific track from the others. Not just as a place for cars to go fast.

 

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No wonder this one falls into the category of boring (my initial impression, HOPING after watching an actual F1 race held there will prove me wrong, haha)... it's build on a freaking man-made island... a piece of engineered flat land the land has no character, thus the track has no character

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yas_Marina_Circuit

 

If anyone misses the race, just play with some hot wheels cars on a pool table for an hour or so to get the idea. Add a length of tubing to one of them, sprinkle some gasoline around and ignite to simulate Kovalainen doing a pit stop.

 

Been watching Qualifying. I like the track from what I see. It is top notch. Kudos to Abu Dhabi for building an awesome track

Even the pit exit is scary nice

 

most of the drivers also posted very positive comments after the friday practice.

 

^^ You are correct. I look forward to the race tomorrow.