ABU DHABI: Formula One drivers praised Abu Dhabi's glittering new circuit on Friday while warning the sport's first day-to-night grand prix would present different challenges.

"They've done an incredible job here. It's a really nice circuit to drive, there are a lot of technical corners where braking stability is important," McLaren's 2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton told reporters.

"It's a great track and I really enjoy driving it. The only bit I don't like is the tunnel... but it's a challenge," he added referring to the pit lane which rejoins the track through a tunnel.

World champion Jenson Button, Hamilton's British compatriot, added: "It's quite easy to make a mistake round here because there are a lot of camber changes.

"It's very challenging. The kerbs are very small so you can really be aggressive over the kerbs," added the Brawn driver after completing the second of two practice sessions.

"I just don't know how good the overtaking will be. We'll have to wait and see on that one, but to drive it's enjoyable."

The season-ending race at the Yas Marina circuit gives the Middle East a second grand prix venue after Bahrain joined the calendar in 2004.

Ferrari's Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen suggested overtaking may prove difficult during the 55-lap race. "There are only a few corners where you can make a difference, near the start of the lap," said the 2007 champion.

"Then there are so many heavy braking points and slow speed corners, where stability on entry and acceleration on exit are the important factors."

DUAL CHALLENGE

Drivers will face the dual challenge of adapting to the change from natural to artificial light as the race progresses from dusk into night and also a drop in track temperature.

Button said it would be important to have the right kind of visor.

"I tried a clear visor at the end of the session and I found it very difficult to see because some of the lights are very bright and shining in your face," he said.