By BAR F1 (01/01/2004)
April 1 2004

Located in Sakhir, in the south of the country, the US$150 million Bahrain International Circuit opened earlier this year and hosts the region's first FIA Formula One World Championship Grand Prix. The Bahrain Government has underwritten the development of circuit and sees it as one of the keys to growth in employment and new skills to further enhance the economy and firmly put Bahrain on the world map. It is also supported by the Crown Prince, 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 5 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 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 expected to be the downhill run into the hairpin at the back of the circuit.

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.