By Sam Cooper
March 31 2008

Built in 2004, the Bahrain International Circuit is a fantastic edition to the formula one calendar. Initially the circuit looked doubtful to be ready for the 04.04.04 deadline (as it was nicknamed by the media). Thankfully, for F1 fans, the circuit was completed on time and it delivered a brilliant show.

McLaren Fans Track Preview

Round 3- Sakir, Bahrain

History of the circuit.

Built in 2004, the Bahrain International Circuit is a fantastic edition to the formula one calendar. Initially the circuit looked doubtful to be ready for the 04.04.04 deadline (as it was nicknamed by the media). Thankfully, for F1 fans, the circuit was completed on time and it delivered a brilliant show.

The Bahrain circuit offers excellent facilities for racing, the circuit was awarded FIA Institute Centre of Excellence award, which highlight the quality of safety of the circuit, as well as the marshalling and medical facilities that accompany the circuit.

The circuit is an interesting one for the drivers; it features long straights which are immediately followed by sharp and slow corners, brilliant for overtaking.

Its one downfall is the large run off areas which makes it very hard for drivers to hit any barriers, which allows them to overdrive the car without the threat of hitting a barrier, it takes a lot of the fun out of watching the race.

Characteristics of the circuit.

The track is known for its harshness on engines, due to the high temperatures, which look to be in the mid 30s for the race on Sunday. The sand which surrounds the track causes a headache for engine designers, engineers have to put special filters on the engine filters, to ensure its performance remains the same and its reliability does.

To be fast at Bahrain, you need a car which isn’t lacking on horsepower, a car that has good downforce for the medium speed corners on the circuit is useful as well, though engineers and technicians need to find a good balance between downforce and straight line speed.

Circuit Map

 

Where to watch

Really, turn one is the best bet to catch some overtaking, or the victory grandstands at the end of the lap are the best option for overtaking. The main grandstand seats will cost you more money but its worth it,   views that look onto the pit complex, that can give you views onto the start grid not to mention the first and last corners.

2007 Results

Pos.	Driver	Team	Time
1.	F. Massa	Ferrari	1:32:27.515
2.	L. Hamilton	McLaren	+ 2.360
3.	K. Räikkönen	Ferrari	+ 10.839
4.	N. Heidfeld	BMW	+ 13.831
5.	F. Alonso	McLaren	+ 14.426
6.	R. Kubica	BMW	+ 45.529
7.	J. Trulli	Toyota	+ 1:21.371
8.	G. Fisichella	Renault	+ 1:21.701