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About the Formula 1 race Sakhir, Bahrain

Circuit/Race info - Formula 1 - Sakhir, Bahrain

Sakhir Bahrain circuit description
Home of F1 Racing in the Middle East Bahrain is the home of Formula One racing in the Middle East, hosting the Bahrain Grand Prix. Bahrain has been chosen to host the opening Grand Prix of the 2006 season on 12 March. The traditional opener of the F1 Season, the Australian Grand Prix, has been moved due to the conflicting Commonwealth Games. This desert circuit was designed by the famous circuit specialist Hermann Tilke. The Bahrain circuit provides visitors with the same modern facilities and hi-tech amenities that they have come to expect from the circuit at Sepang, Tilke’s other most recent creation. F1 Circuit layout The Bahrain Grand Prix circuit consists out of 16 corners. The circuit design is unique in that it comprises six individual tracks, four of which can be used at the same time.

Region
The circuit is located in Sakhir in the South of the main Island (Bahrain Island). This island, which makes up 85% of the territory of Bahrain is 48 km long and 16 km wide. As an archipelago of 33 islands, Bahrain does not share a land boundary with another country but does have a 161 km coastline Tourism Bahrain has long been a popular tourist destination for visitors from neighboring states, but growing awareness of its rich heritage dating back five thousand years to the Dilmun civilization means that the Kingdom is steadily attracting visitors from further abroad. Bahrain combines a modern infrastructure and comparatively liberal society with an authentic Gulf experience making it an ideal introduction to the Middle East. Tourist attractions include historic sites such as the recently UNESCO listed Qalat Al Bahrain castle, the tens of thousands of ancient Dilmun Burial Mounds, traditional Arab culture, shopping in the Kingdom's malls and souks, and the opportunity to relax in the many hotel beach resorts and luxury spas.

History info - Formula 1 - Sakhir, Bahrain

Last seasons info Sakhir Bahrain
The 2005 Bahrain Grand Prix was only the second Formula One grand prix held in the Middle East, bringing the challenges of high temperatures and dusty conditions. The race was held the day after Pope John Paul II died, with several teams and drivers offering their respects. The celebrations on the podium were muted due to the death of Pope John Paul II.

As the field set off on the final parade lap Christian Klien was left behind with an electrical problem and never took the race start. This was Renault's 100th grand prix win. For most drivers, the engines used in this race would also be used in San Marino, as required by the new 2005 regulations.

Winner + pole + fastest lap Sakhir Bahrain
2006 Winner: F. Alonso, Renault
Pole Position: Fernando Alonso, Renault
Fastest Lap: Nico Rosberg 1:32.406 (2006)

Historic info Sakhir Bahrain
The 2004 Bahrain Grand Prix was first held on April 4, 2004 at the Bahrain International Circuit. The construction of the Bahrain circuit was a national objective for Bahrain, initiated by His Highness the Crown Prince, Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The Crown Prince is a motor sport enthusiast and the Honorary President of the Bahrain Motor Federation. Race organisers were worried that the circuit wouldn't be complete in time, and asked for the inaugural Bahrain Grand Prix to take place in 2005 instead. However, Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone refused this request. In the end, the circuit was not quite fully complete, but was good enough for the grand prix to go ahead. The circuit posed a unique problem. Positioned in the middle of a desert, there were worries that sand would blow onto the circuit and disrupt the race. This problem was solved by spraying an adhesive on the sand around the track.

Listings of past winners / team
2006 Winner: F. Alonso Team: Renault
2005 Winner: F. Alonso Team: Renault
2004 Winner: M. Schumacher Team: Ferrari

Travel info - Formula 1 - Sakhir, Bahrain

How to get there Sakhir Bahrain
Bahrain International Airport is well connected, both inside the Middle East and around the world. The airport is situated on an island to the north of Manama and is connected to the city by two large bridges.

Visa
The visa requirements for the attendants of the Bahrain Grand Prix have been extremely simplified, all that is needed is a valid F1 ticket or proof of purchase, a valid passport for the duration of stay in Bahrain, and a return airline ticket. The visas will be provided free of charge, so please log on to www.f1visa.gov.bh today and take your first step to a great stay in Bahrain.

How to get to the track (and back)
Car hire is available at the airport. It is a drive of around 40 kilometres to the F1 Circuit.
Parking options:
A parking ticket is enclosed to all F1 tickets. Cars are not allowed entrance without the enclosed parking ticket.

Where to stay
Hotels There are plenty of good hotels and resorts in Bahrain. All are at a decent distance from the circuit. Check out our hotelguide (travelocity.com) to book hotels directly.
Gulf Hotel
Regency Hotel
Ritz Carlton Hotel
Sheraton Hotel

Tickets info - Formula 1 - Sakhir, Bahrain

General information
The facilities at the Sakhir based Bahrain International Circuit are brand new as it opened in 2003. All stands have tip-up seats and offer a very good seating comfort. Also all grandstands are covered, which off course is no luxury in the middel of the desert. There are no general admission or standing areas for sale. There are not many grandstands and the overall seating capacity is 34,000. Once you arrive at the circuit the walk to all grandstands from the parking lots - located behind the Main Grandstand - are minimal, with a maximum of 5-7 minutes. Consession stands and restrooms are available and and they rate as good by European standards.

Viewing quality
All of the 5 stands offer a good view of the action. Since the terrain is nothing more than sandy desert you can always see more than just what happens on the tarmac in front of your stand which is a bonus. All stands consist of multipe sections and it does matter where you are. It is not that the quality is very different although some people me want to sit opposite the start finish straight and that is not a guarantee if you choose the Main Grandstand.

Prices
The prices of tickets for the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Bahrain are not high. In fact they are amongst the cheaper Grand Prix's on the calendar. What you pay for a Main grandstand ticket is around 100-200 Euro less than you would pay for a similar ticket on any other venue. The side stands (University and Victory) are very cheap compared to other events.

Best Deal
The best deal on F1 tickets for the Bahrain Grand Prix is the University stand. Located very close to the Parking area and the merchandising area it offers a great view of the technically challenging first curves. It also provides a great view of the characteristic Sakhir Tower and the Main Grandstand. This quality paired with the price makes this stand the best deal for the Grand Prix of Bahrain.