By Phil Huff
February 2 2007

Honda Racing F1 are heading to Abu Dhabi, taking part in a Formula One spectacular in the United Arab Emirates, that many believe is a precursor to a Grand Prix event in the federation. The half-day event is free for the public and the action starts at 9.00am tomorrow morning. Big crowds are expected to flock to the street circuit, which starts at the Emirates Palace and winds its way along Abu Dhabi's waterfront to Marina Mall.

"The F1 Festival is a credit to the people of Abu Dhabi as very few cities in the world would be able to create an event of this size and stature," said His Highness, Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.

The F1 Festival will see eight giant screens being placed along the route to make sure no one misses a moment of action, including the now obligatory 'doughnuts' performed by the drivers.

Honda Racing F1 will be represented by Rubens Barrichello and Christian Klien, each driving last years RA106 through the bustling streets. Also present will be drivers from every other team, including Fernando Alonso, Kimi Raikkonen, Felipe Massa and Ralf Schumacher.

The drivers will circulate the streets in a safety car, before parading round on a flat bed truck. Following that, each team will send one car on a lap of the circuit, before a finale sees every team out together, in championship order.