Bahrain’s Preparations to host Formula 1 Races
Manama, Oct. 6 (BNA): Following Formula 1’s confirmation that Bahrain will be hosting our first-ever double-header this year in November and December, and with the FIA WEC 8 Hours of Bahrain taking place two weeks prior, Bahrain International Circuit has been working extremely hard to get everything in place before welcoming global motorsport’s elite.
Aside from the normal preparations, such as getting the circuit facilities ready and coordinating with all the relevant authorities to ensure the smooth arrival procedures of the Kingdom’s guests, because of the current circumstances caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, BIC will be making extra arrangements to protect the health and safety of all those involved in the race weekends. BIC is constantly communicating with all the necessary government bodies to make sure that what is needed to create an optimum environment at the circuit is taken care of.
Formula 1 has led global sports when it comes to operating in the current environment, demonstrating its ability to take motorsport to locations across continents in a safe manner. Working with Formula 1 and the FIA the BIC have detailed and established protocols to work with in order to protect public health, together with the instruction and guidance received from the Government of Bahrain.
The External Track of the Circuit
Following a detailed analysis of the circuit’s different track layouts, all of which have an FIA Grade 1 license, Formula 1 concluded the outer circuit as the most suitable option for the second of Bahrain’s double-header races, the Sakhir Grand Prix.
The circuit is just 3.543km in length, making it the second shortest on the calendar. It’s also extremely fast; much quicker that our traditional F1 layout, so we expect a very different race.
The BIC will host a massive 87 lap race on the Outer Track, with 11 turns, eight right and three left.
Formula 1 simulations predict qualifying lap times below 55 seconds and race laps below 60 seconds, so we may well see the fastest ever lap in F1.