Bahrain Grand Prix

Michael Schumacher, the six-time Grand Prix world champion, secured first place at the inaugural Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix held at Sakhir, Bahrain from April 2 – 4, 2004.

The 2004 Grand Prix of Bahrain was the first ever round of the FIA Formula One World Championship to be held in the Middle East and will mark the official culmination of a multi-million dollar project started back in September 2002 when the Kingdom of Bahrain signed a long-term deal to host the event.

Located at Sakhir, 30 km south-west of the island's capital, Manama, the Herman Tilke designed circuit contains no less than five track layouts within one complex. Construction began in November 2002 and in the months prior to its March 2004 completion, work was going on around the clock. Over 12,000 tonnes of stone were used in the build, a third of it Welsh granite, chosen for the track surface due to its excellent adhesive qualities.

The 5.411 km Grand Prix circuit has been designed with the spectator in mind, with 50,000 grandstand seats, all providing excellent views. Those spectators (a total of 100,000 are expected over the race weekend) will get to see the cars heading into the external desert area, before coming back into the oasis-styled infield. Up to 500 journalists will also witness the action from the venue's purpose-built media centre.

The track will offer the driver a unique experience in the way the circuit's width varies at the end of the different straights. This allows for diverse racing lines, and the 12-corner design is expected to provide at least three genuine overtaking opportunities. Estimated lap time is around 1m 33s, with the drivers expected to record an average speed of close to 210 kph.

Upon the successful completion of the momentous sports event for Bahrain, HH Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa extended his appreciation to the people of Bahrain, "This event wouldn't have been possible without the people and they are the ones to congratulate for making this dream come true," said the Crown Prince. "We have managed to make an impression about Bahrain being a civilized and well-developed nation through this extravaganza and having a GP in Bahrain is something extraordinary everyone should be proud of," said the Crown Prince.

Background

On the 14th September 2002 the Kingdom of Bahrain signed a long term agreement with Mr. Bernie Ecclestone to host a round of the FIA Formula One World Championship, starting from 2004.

The successful conclusion of the agreement has been perfectly timed with the commencement of the construction of Bahrain Racing Circuit which will be the most advanced facility of its kind in the world. The facility includes a challenging Grand Prix Circuit which meets the requirements for hosting Formula One cars. The development will also provide the Middle East with an international standard venue for all other forms of car and motorcycle racing as well as testing and a range of other motoring activities. The Circuit will be operational 365 days a year.

The successful operation of Bahrain International Circuit is a national objective, led by HH the Crown Prince, Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, a lifelong motor sport enthusiast and Honorary President of the Bahrain Motor Federation (BMF).

Bahrain already hosts the Bahrain International Rally (part of the FIA Middle East Championship) and the new circuit will provide the catalyst for unprecedented growth of this sport.

The Bahrain Government has underwritten the development of Bahrain International Circuit and sees the Circuit and the events 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.

Source: Gulf Daily News

For more information, please contact the Office of the Economic Representative via e-mail info@bahraingateway.org or by telephone at (202) 537-7810.