A guide to the Bahrain International Grand Prix Circuit
The construction of the Grand Prix circuit in Bahrain was no simple feat of engineering. In just over a year, Bahrain was able to build a world class grand Prix circuit, the first of its kind in the Middle East. The ability to achieve this highlights Bahrain's engineering and organisational skill. No expense was spared to build this circuit, which has a unique Arabic atmosphere.
During the 16 months of construction, engineers had to pour an average of 650 tons of asphalt per day to complete the circuit in time. Also, an amazing 12,000 tons of stone was used for the track, 4,000 tons of which came from Wales and the remainder from Malaysia.
The track boasts the dramatic eight-storey Sakhir Tower, a tall circular tower with Middle Eastern accents, which houses the Bahrain Motor Federation, Bahrain International Circuit Management offices, a restaurant, merchandising center and numerous hospitality suites. From the tower, spectators have a superb view of the entire 5.475km circuit. Other facilities include the Oasis Center, Medical Center, Bahrain Experience exhibition, and International Media Center. The track also incorporates a broadcast center for local and international media and the International Media Center, which can accommodate 500 journalists.
The circuit will have a capacity for 50,000 spectators, with the grandstand on the start/finish straight-away accommodating 10,000 fans. The pit building also has lounges and has a grandstand which can accommodate 3,000 spectators.
The venue specifications are impressive, boasting a total of five individual tracks, with the inner and outer circuits configured to international F1 Grand Prix standards. The track has 12 turns – five left and seven right – with three real possibilities for overtaking. The straight away is an impressive 1,090 metres long. The maximum uphill slope is 3.6 per cent and maximum downhill slope 5.6 per cent. It is estimated that the lap time for F1 cars will be around 1 minute, 33 seconds, with an average speed of 210kph (130 mph).