Bids are due for submitted this month for the construction of an F1 race track in Bahrain - the region's first. A look at the features the facility is expected to enfold when it opens in 2004.

01 August 2002

By 2004, Bahrain is expected to be the venue of the first world-class racing circuit in the Middle East.

An estimated BD50 million ($132.6 million) project is set to be launched later this year entailing the construction of a Formula One race track in the Kingdom.

Despite news reports stating that the project may be scaled down, the client, the Ministry of Works, has reiterated that it is going ahead with its plans for a racing circuit with six individual tracks..

A total of 34 four contractors from the Middle East, Europe, the Far East and Australia entered the bid for prequalification, which has been shortlisted to 14. Prequalified contractors are now due to submit their bids by August 20 and the successful bidder is expected to commence work on the site in October this year.

Located in Sakhir in the south of the Kingdom, the Bahrain Racing Circuit is designed by German consultancy Tilke. Tilke's portfolio includes the Formula One venues, the Sepang Circuit in Malaysia and Nurburgring in Germany.

The 60,000-seat capacity development is scheduled to be completed by late 2003 and available for FIA (Federation Internationale De L'automobile) races (subject to certification) by the first quarter of 2004.

The circuit features Arabian-themed architecture that adds a unique flavour of the region to the advanced technology incorporated into its facilities.

Bahrain has applied to be the Middle East host of Formula One racing, and the facility includes a challenging Grand Prix loop. The development is also an international standard venue for all forms of motor sports.

"Bahrain hosting an Fl event has been confirmed to the extent that, if commercial negotiations between the two parties work out, then the race will be available," says Gordon Calder, project co-ordinator for the client, the Ministry of Works. "Bahrain and the F1 administration have to reach commercial terms for fees and rights and all the other issues that go along with a major international event.''

''These are ongoing, and, if they reach a satisfactory conclusion, then F1 has indicated that they'll be here," he emphasises. "Plans have been approved by both the FIA and the F1 administration as being in all ways suitable for F1 purposes."

The circuit comprises six individual tracks, four of which can be used simultaneously:

Grand Prix track - 5.475 km with a maximum uphill slope of 5.25 per cent and maximum downhill slope of 5 per cent. There are 16 turns. The forecast lap time for an F1 car is 1 minute 33.63 seconds and the average speed 210.39 km per hour (kph).

Inner track - 2.4 km with a width varying between 14 and 20 m.

Outer track - 3.4 km with a width varying between 14 and 20 m.

Drag strip - 1,200 m long by 18.5 m wide, which aims to cater to the already established and increasingly popular sport of drag racing. The strip has a timed mile acceleration distance constructed in concrete.

Test Oval - 2,500 m long with two parabolic corners, providing a facility for warm and hot weather endurance testing of all types of vehicles and components under controlled conditions. In conjunction with the comprehensive selection of normal road circuit options and the general on-site facilities, manufacturers will have access to a unique location.

Karting track: A full CIK-approved international standard karting school with dedicated race control, workshop, dining and viewing.

The Bahrain Racing Circuit facilities include:

VIP viewing tower;

A technical resource centre dedicated to an F1 Grand Prix or any other international race event, located on the start/finish strait;

Main grandstand for 10,000 spectators and first-class hospitality suites;

Dedicated buildings for international racing teams;

Administration and hospitality buildings;

Multi-purpose second pit building with lounges and grandstand for 6,000 spectators;

Medical centre equipped to international racing standards;

Broadcast centre for local and international media;

Media centre for 500 journalists;

Under track pedestrian and vehicle tunnels;

Helicopter landing facilities; and

Excellent road access and parking facilities.

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