Bahrain International Circuit
The Middle East's first Grand Prix track, where desert sands meet high-speed motorsport history.
via Wikipedia: Bahrain International Circuit · see source
The Bahrain International Circuit is a motorsport venue located in Sakhir that opened in 2004. It holds the historic distinction of hosting the first Formula One race held in the Middle East, breaking new ground for the sport's global expansion. Initially designed to handle diverse racing needs, the track has evolved from its 2004 debut into a premier facility with a FIA Grade 1 license. While it hosts drag racing and endurance events like the 24 Hour races, its primary fame comes from the annual Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix. The venue was constructed under the initiative of Crown Prince Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, overcoming significant logistical hurdles to ensure the inaugural race proceeded on schedule.
Quick Facts
- Location
- Sakhir, Bahrain
- Broke ground
- 2002
- Opened
- 17 March 2004
- Construction cost
- 56.2 million Dinars ($150 million)
- Architect
- Hermann Tilke
- Capacity
- 70,000
- Layout
- Grand Prix Circuit (2005–present)
- Turns
- 15
Lore & Background
Construction began as a national objective led by Crown Prince Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, with TRL building the circuit under Patrick Brogan. A major anxiety surrounded the project: organizers feared sand would blow onto the track from the surrounding desert, potentially disrupting races. To solve this unique problem, they sprayed an adhesive on the sand around the circuit to keep it off the asphalt. The track surface itself is made of graywacke aggregate shipped from Bayston Hill quarry in Shropshire, England, a material praised by drivers for its high grip levels. In 2004, race organizers even considered cancelling the event due to incomplete construction, but Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone refused. Ahead of the 2005 race, Turn Four was realigned, shortening the circuit by exactly 5 metres.
Reader's Guide
The circuit features multiple layouts to suit different events, including a test oval and a drag strip. It is renowned for its night racing capability; in 2014, it hosted its first Grand Prix under floodlights to celebrate ten years of Formula One at the venue, a format used for subsequent editions. The track has seen several layout changes over time: from 2004 to 2009 it used one configuration, then switched to the full 6.299 km 'Endurance Circuit' in 2010. In 2020, the venue hosted two Grands Prix, with the Sakhir Grand Prix utilizing the Outer Circuit layout. The first corner was renamed after Michael Schumacher in February 2014 following his skiing accident. Upcoming changes include a cancellation for the 2026 race due to conflicts within the Middle East.
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