Opened in 2004, the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) was the brainchild of Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Designed by German architect, Hermann Tilke, the circuit cost almost $150 million in US dollars, but its success has more than recouped that investment for the people of Bahrain. Its impressive facilities and tracks has opened the door for major motorsport events and drawn attention to not only the sport but to the people of Bahrain.
Bahrain International Circuit (BIC)
The Bahrain International Circuit includes eight individual tracks with a seating capacity of 45,000. In the grandstand alone, there is seating for 10,500. Furthermore, the Sakhir Tower is eight stories high, has a roof terrace, and sports VIP suites, a restaurant, and administration offices. The facility also offers impressive facilities for 11 GP teams including state of the art pit-and-padlock complex and 18 buildings for international racing teams. There is also a modern medical facility and plenty of parking.
Behind the Scenes Tour
A behind-the-scenes tour of the Bahrain International Circuit is available. It begins at the Sakhir Tower and includes a media centre, the race control tower, and the BIC Pit Shop. Tours can also include a lap around the Formula One circuit if it is available and not being used for racing purposes. As an added bonus, the friendly guides are bilingual, speaking both Arabic and English.
Bahrain Grand Prix Track
The Bahrain Grand Prix Track is configured using the inner and outer circuit and includes an endurance loop. It extends 6.299 km total with 23 turns and four straight-aways. Additionally, there is an elevation change of 18m, and it varies in width from 14m to 22m, making it an ideal track for passing opportunities. Plus the eight individual tracks make it possible for two races to run simultaneously.
Variations to the Track
Of course the variations to the eight tracks make possible a wide variety of events and races. Included in the layout are an outer track, inner track, paddock track, drag strip, old GP track, 4X4 off road course, and even a kart track. As a result, there’s a track for almost everything from corporate events to the Australian V8 Supercars and the FIA European Drag Championship. The off road course and the kart track even offer fun and excitement for spectators to enjoy a race or two themselves.
Major Events
Since the opening of the BIC in 2004, Bahrain has hosted a variety of impressive events. There is the Bahrain Grand Prix – one of the rounds of the FIA Formula One World Championship. The BIC has also organized the Chevrolet Supercars Middle East Championship and the highly popular Desert 400. The latter is a marquee event of the Australian V8 Supercar Circuit. In fact, Bahrain was the first Arabian country to host such an event. Other notable events include the GP2 Asia Series and the Porsche Mobil1 Super Cup.
Bahrain: Home to Amazing Motorsports Complex! What an incredible difference this complex has made in terms of this sport recognition in the Arab world and in terms of boosting the economy of Bahrain. Certainly, the sport of racing and the people of Bahrain should thank His Highness Crown Prince Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa for having the insight to pursue this project.