Bahrain: Sakhir Track Facts

Back to 2005
By Phil Huff
April 12 2007

Located in Sakhir, in the south of the country, the US$150 million Bahrain International Circuit opened early in 2004 and hosts it's fourth FIA Formula One World Championship Grand Prix this weekend.

The development of the circuit was underwritten by the Bahrain Government and was firmly supported by the Crown Prince of Bahrain, Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, a lifelong motor sport enthusiast.

The circuit and its facilities itself are state-of-the-art. The track actually consists of five separate circuits, including a 2.5km oval and a 1.2km drag strip. The 5.417 km Grand Prix configuration consists of a kilometre long start/finish straight, 12 turns, including several low-speed corners which increases the technical emphasis on aerodynamic efficiency and traction, and a relief that ranges between 0 and 18 metres, to give an undulating track that is sure to test the drivers. There are three genuine overtaking points, the most exciting being the downhill run into the hairpin at the back of the circuit.

The hot weather poses a challenge for both car and driver and although the humidity is generally lower than in the Far East, track temperatures will be high, with air temperatures expected to reach around 28°C during Sunday's race.

The facilities include a spectacular 10,000 seater grandstand, a total capacity of 50,000, an impressive pit complex for up to 18 teams and a large media centre for 500 people. Dominating the circuit is the nine-storey Sakhir Tower, which will host the VIP's attending the race in consummate luxury.

Last year's race saw Fernando Alonso secure the win, while Honda Racing F1 had a mixed afternoon. Qualifying 3rd and 6th, Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello both dropped back, finishing 4th and 15th respectively. Rubens' race was hampered by a gearbox problem, while Jenson had a poor start and suffered from then on.

The inaugural race saw Jenson managing to claim a second podium finish, taking third at the flag, while team mate Takuma Sato also claimed three points, bringing his 006 home in fifth position.