The Bahrain International
F 1 Grand Prix racing Circuit was instigated by
His Majesty, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain,
Shaikh
Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, then Crown Prince and President of the
Bahrain Motor Federation as a national objective by the
Government of the
Kingdom of Bahrain.
The
Bahrain Grand Prix
F 1 Racing Circuit held its first Grand Prix event in 2004. The German
architect
Hermann Tilke designed the circuit.
While sunshine prevails in this beautiful
Kingdom desert conditions made the construction of the circuit difficult.
Utilizing modern technologies this project, like many in this region was
carried out with careful planning, attention to detail and resources of
superior quality thereby negating the many problems sand could cause to
drivers and spectators alike. In fact an area of sand surrounding the
race-track was sprayed with a sticky solution, which prevented any likely
sand problems arising.
The impressive "Sakhir Tower" -
an
icon landmark of this and the envy of Formula One racing circuits boasts the
most sumptuous lounges and car racing views not matched at any other
international venues. The view of the track and the surrounding
Kingdom is intoxicating in its grandeur and sense of occasion.
The Kingdom of Bahrain consists of a group of
thirty six islands (about 706 square kilometres total land area) off the
central southern shores of the Arabian Gulf between the Qatar peninsula and
Saudi Arabia's east coast. Bahrain island is the biggest and Manama is
the capital city. The Bahrain Grand Prix International Circuit is
located at Sakhir, roughly thirty km south west of Manama. The circuit
is easily accessible to both the city centre and the airport - about thirty
minutes from either.
The Bahrain Grand Prix circuit incorporates
six layouts:-
- 5,411km GP track as shown in the image above
- 2.55km inner eight turns track in middle
section of the circuit
- 3,664km outer track that joins turns four and
thirteen. It has a total of ten turns
- 3.7km Paddock Circuit - turns 3 to nine are
removed
- A Drag Strip running from the "Sakhir Tower"
for 1,200 metres
- 2km oval test track
Check
out a virtual view of the track and stands here.
The design of the circuits at Shakir displays first
class proactive thinking, planning and imptementation that went into this
project. Consequent it can stage events all year round. Formula
One, Formula Three, Grand Prix 2 Series, Bahrain GT Festival, V8 Festival
and Drag Racing are regular motor racing events already. The circuit
was finished in 2004. It provides a seating capacity not matched
elsewhere of 50,000 where weekend attendances presently amounts to 100,000
patrons.
The very latest communications technology is
provided for whereby 500 journalists from around the world are catered for
in luxurious surroundings.
This F 1 circuit has numbering on all its corners.
The quickest sections are at the ends of both straights, whereby speeds
approaching corners 1 and 14 reaches 320kph. The slowest corners are 1
and 10 where speeds as low as 80kmh are commonplace.
In 2004 Michael Schumacher in a Ferrari completed
the 57 lap race in 1 hour and 28 minutes - thats 34,875 seconds and an
average speed of 209.140kph. Schumacher also set the fastest lap at
1:30:252 - an average speed of 216.074kph.
Bahrain has a hot climate. Temperatures of 35
degrees Celsius in the summer months ar common so adequate sun protection is
advised - plenty of sun screen and copious amounts of water. The
stands are ideal for sun protection also as they provide shade but, it is
essential to book your seats in advance at the Bahrain International Circuit
grand stands. Seat booking be done online or through an agent well in
advance before you go as motor racing at the Shakir circuit is very popular.
There is plenty of additional entertainment.
Many restaurants in Shakir and Manama catering for F 1 fans and for a
multidude of tastes abound. Nightlife in Bahrain nightclubs provides
enjoyement to the full and alcohol is served.
Shopping in Bahrain is excellent. Don't miss
the great Souq, a traditional Arab Market where you can buy gold, carpets
and electrical goods. There are many modern shopping malls as well.
There are many cultural and historic sites in
Bahrain to visit and see during an extended Grand Prix weekend. A par
72 PGA championship golf course must not be missed so make sure you book a
week in Bahrain and not just a F1 weekend.
Bahrain F 1 Tickets
26 April 2009√
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