John N
The Bahrain International Circuit hosted its inaugural Formula 1 Grand Prix back in 2004. Formula 1’s first venue in the Middle East was built on the site of a former camel farm in the desert south of Manama.
Bahrain’s grand prix track is typical of most modern circuits, compromising a few long straights and slow corners. Since its inaugural race in 2004, there have been seventeen Formula 1 races held at the Bahrain International Circuit. In 2010 a longer version of the track was used but it proved unpopular and was dropped after a single race. In 2014, flood lights were installed so that the main events could run at night.
Eight different drivers have won a race at the Bahrain International Circuit. Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton are the drivers with the most Bahrain Grand Prix wins, having each won on four occasions. Ferrari are the constructors with the most wins here, having taken victory on six occasions. Mercedes are the engine manufacturer with the most wins at the Bahrain International Circuit, with Mercedes-powered cars winning seven times. German drivers have taken more wins than any other nation, with Sebastian Vettel, Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg contributing six wins to Germany’s tally.
Circuit information
Lap data
Lap length – 5.412km (3.363 miles)
Race laps – 57
Race distance – 308.238km (191.53 miles)
Pole Position – Left-hand side of the track
Lap record* – 1’31.447 (Pedro de la Rosa, 2005)
Fastest lap – 1’27.866 (Charles Leclerc, 2019, qualifying three)
Maximum speed – 329.6kph (204.804 mph)
Distance from grid to turn one – 336.49m
Car Performance
Full throttle 72%
Longest flat-out section 1,205m
Downforce level Medium
Gear changes per lap 56
Fuel use per lap 1.7kg
Time penalty per lap of fuel 0.054s
Strategy
Pit lane time loss 18.9s
*Fastest lap set during a Grand Prix
Here are the Facts about this Circuit
- It is the first formula one circuits in the middle east
Bahrain International Circuit, which is also known as Sakhir, was designed by Formula 1’s go-to track designer, Hermann Tilke. The track was constructed at a cost of $150 million U.S. dollars ahead of the inaugural Bahrain Grand Prix in 2004. It became the first Middle Eastern track to host a Formula 1 race.
- Grippy Asphalt and Sticky Sand Circuit Surface
The track surface at Bahrain International Circuit is made of a special type of aggregate shipped from England and offers very high levels of grip. Keeping sand off the grippy surface is a challenge at a circuit surrounded by desert. To minimize the amount of sand blowing on to the circuit, organizers spray an adhesive substance onto the desert before the race weekend. The track is also regularly swept between sessions.
- Season Openers
Since its inception in 2004, the Bahrain Grand Prix has been traditionally held on the second or third weekend of April. Occasionally, however, Bahrain switches positions with Australia to host the opening race of the season. In 2006, for example, the Australian Grand Prix was moved to avoid a conflict with the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne (the scheduling worked out better for European TV audiences), while in 2010, a later date for the race in Australia (after daylight savings time ended) meant a better start time for race viewing back in Europe. In 2022, Bahrain will again host the first race of the season.
- Alternative Layouts
The Bahrain International Circuit has six layouts, though most races are contested on the 5.412km “Grand Prix” circuit with 15 corners. The exception was in 2010 when the Bahrain Grand Prix was staged on the 6.299km “Endurance” layout of the Circuit with 24 corners. The race is best remembered for Fernando Alonso winning on his debut for Ferrari – but the longer layout of the circuit drew criticism for its lack of additional overtaking opportunities and has not been used since. In 2020, Formula 1 staged back to back races in Bahrain. The second race, known as the Sakhir Grand Prix, was run on a shorter 3.543km “Outer Loop” circuit with just 11 turns. Mercedes debutant George Russell had looked on course for the win before a pit lane mix up and a puncture ruined his chances, handing a popular maiden victory to Sergio Pérez.
- Racing under The Floodlights
To celebrate its ten-year anniversary, the Bahrain Grand Prix was held under lights for the first time in 2014. The $17m USD investment in 495 lighting poles and 4500 light fittings proved well worthwhile as the first night race featured a memorable wheel-to-wheel duel in the desert between Mercedes teammates Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. Hamilton came out on top to record the first of his three victories in Bahrain.
- Spraying of Rosewater rather than the traditional Champagne
The sale of alcohol is not banned in Bahrain (like it is in neighboring Saudi Arabia), but there are still restrictions. Formula 1 teams are not allowed to display the logos of alcohol sponsors on their cars at the Bahrain Grand Prix and the top three drivers spray a non-alcoholic rosewater drink called Waard during the podium celebrations instead of the traditional champagne.
- Ferrari is the most successful constructor
Since the Bahrain Grand Prix made its debut on the F1 calendar in 2004, Ferrari are the most successful constructor in Bahrain, winning six of the races. However, Mercedes have been closing the gap in recent years, winning five of their seven races in this period. Renault and Red Bull have also won two races each in Bahrain. McLaren are yet to win a race there, though—Bahrain is one of only a handful of circuits where McLaren have not tasted victory.
- Schumacher’s turn
Following World Champion Michael Schumacher’s skiing accident in late 2013, turn one at the Bahrain International Circuit was officially rechristened ‘Schumacher’ in honor of the German driver, who famously won the inaugural Bahrain Grand Prix for Ferrari in 2004. Until recently, it was the only turn at F1’s preeminent racecourse which was not simply identified by its number.
