Thursday 28 August at 12:32 : Renowned 'F1 fixer' Philippe Gurdjian has denied whispers that the new Abu Dhabi circuit will not be ready to host its inaugural formula one race next November.

The United Arab Emirates' capital is scheduled to host the 2009 season finale, with a circuit winding through the Yas Island marina and sand dunes currently under construction.

Earlier this year, however, Gurdjian stepped down as chief of the Paul Ricard test circuit in France in order to oversee the Abu Dhabi project.

His appointment complemented rumours that Abu Dhabi is struggling to be ready for its November 15 race date.

"I don't listen at all to what people say," Gurdjian told the Abu Dhabi daily The National.

"We will soon be ready to answer questions to all the people who want know about this project," the Frenchman, previously involved in organising F1 races in France, Spain, Malaysia and Bahrain, and deeply trusted by Bernie Ecclestone, insisted.