The boss of next year's inaugural Abu Dhabi grand prix has played down the possibility that the race could be staged at night.

Bernie Ecclestone said this week: "At the moment, we do not have an agreement to run formula one at night in Abu Dhabi but we are discussing the possibility."

But Philippe Gurdjian, albeit an historical ally of the F1 chief executive, told the local newspaper Gulf News that it is currently "not an objective" to become the sport's next floodlit venue.

"Just a few days ago Bernie Ecclestone said that the 2009 calendar will have one night race and that is Singapore," the Frenchman, CEO of race promoter Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management, remarked.

Abu Dhabi, with a circuit currently under construction on its Yas Island, is scheduled to host a grand prix for the first time in November next year.

"I would personally like it to be a day race," Gurdjian said.

He admitted, however, that some thought has been devoted to the concept of installing lighting infrastructure at the track.

"But it is difficult to do it.

"Secondly we are concentrating more on the aesthetic side of the project. But yes we are working on this aspect," Gurdjian answered.