With the first Grand Prix of the season about to commence in Bahrain on March 12th, I thought it would be of interest to talk a little about the circuit.





BAHRAIN CIRCUIT INFORMATION
General


The Bahrain International Circuit has been designed with the spectator in mind, containing no less than six different track layouts within one complex. Together, the landmark 9 story VIP viewing tower (Sahkir Tower), the first class hospitality suites, the grandstands and spectator areas for 70,000 people, an international broadcasting centre and a media centre for 500 journalists, all add up to a truly amazing and unique purpose-built Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit. No expense was spared to build this circuit, which features a unique local Arabic atmosphere. The pits, paddock and start/finish area presents a distinct "oasis" feel, but the circuit's two “desert loops” take the racing cars into a more typical desert landscape.


Everyone agrees that this US $ 150 million Formula 1 Circuit is setting new standards and is a truly unique circuit.


What the drivers say


The Bahrain International Circuit is a challenging circuit, with a few really fast corners, but also featuring a lot of slow and medium-speed corners, which require substancial down force. Although it is regarded as a high down force circuit, the three long straights require a compromise between minimizing straight-line drag and adequate down force in the corners, which can be difficult to achieve. The circuit has a lot of run-off area, so if a driver goes off the track, there is a good chance that he will get back on the circuit, without too much difficulty or damage. The circuit also presents good overtaking opportunities, which normally provide for an exciting Grand Prix.


Due to its layout with three long straights joined by slow corners and its high grip level, the circuit is very tough on both brakes and tyres. A characteristic of the surface at Bahrain is that it retains heat, with track temperatures reaching over 50 degrees centigrade. This demands good grip and durability from the tyres. As the circuit is surrounded by desert, sand on the track makes it slippery off and sometimes even on the racing line.


The two major concerns for the circuit, is therefore the high ambient and track temperatures as well as the amount of sand, which usually finds its way onto the circuit. The teams will use their maximum cooling bodywork packages, and take a lot of time with additional air filters and protection for things such as suspension pivots and wheel bearings.


While the facilities in generally draws resounding praise, some racing drivers look at the Bahrain International Circuit as a bit of a power-on, power-off circuit.





Fastest laps at Bahrain

1:30.252 Michael Schumacher 2004-04-04
1:31.447 Pedro de la Rosa 2005-04-03


Bahrain Closest time difference between 1st and 2nd

Bahrain Biggest time difference between 1st and 2nd

There is a fantastic 'Virtual Stand' on the Official Bahrain GP website. You have to temporarily allow pop-ups, but its well worth a look - hit 'circuit' then hit 'virtual stand'.

There's also a good 'Interactive Circuit Map' on the Official Formula 1 site.