Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Bahrain International Circuit
The distinctive Al-Sakhir Tower of the
Formula One Racetrack
OFFLINE MAP
( 17 450 000;
www.bahraingp.com
;
tours BD6; 10am & 2pm Sun, Tue & Thu)
rises above the surrounding desert
like a beacon. If you are curious to see what a state-of-the-art race track looks like, then
join a 40-minute tour of the grounds, including the media centre and race control room,
and even take a lap around the circuit. Tours are offered every Sunday, Tuesday and
Thursday; you can book online.
There are also opportunities to see drag racing at the circuit and to experience four-
wheel driving (BD12 for 25-minute ride; BD65 for self-drive). Go-carting (BD10 for
15-minute drive) is available daily.
From Manama, just about all roads point to the circuit. The circuit is 30km from
Manama and it takes around 35 minutes to get there by car. There is no public transport.
CIRCUIT FACT FILE
With more than a billion people in worldwide audiences, the highlight of Bahrain's sporting calendar is un-
doubtedly the Grand Prix. Authorities insist on a respect for local sensibilities so winners are sprayed not with
champagne but with
warrd
, made from locally grown pomegranate and rosewater, and pit girls wear Gulf outfits
rather than hotpants. The magnificent Arabian-style stadium, 'tented' grandstands and allusions to the country's
wind towers make a fine showcase for modern Bahrain as well as the sport. Below are the 'fast facts' to date:
Where
A 30-minute drive south of Manama.
When
Completed in 2004.
How much
US$150 million.
How many workers
Over 1000 people employed to build the venue.
How many hours
An estimated 3.5 million hours of work clocked up on the project.
Capacity of stadium
70,000 people.
Number of tracks
Six, including a 1.2km drag strip and a 2km test oval.
Barriers
A total of 4100m of tyre barriers using 82,000 tyres around the circuit.
First winner
Michael Schumacher for Ferrari.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Al-Areen
Al-Areen was once little more than empty desert with a few forlorn native species roam-
ing inside some random enclosures. Over the past few years, however, the escarpment has
