Photos: Courtesy Top Gear, Red Bull Racing & Getty Images
The Bahrain circuit celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, and for the fourth consecutive year the Bahrain Grand Prix™ begins the Formula One racing season, from 29th February to 2nd March 2024.
From 21st to 23rd February, pre-season testing began, offering fans the opportunity to see the drivers and cars of several teams, which will participate in F1®.
The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East will host the 57-lap main race in a desert night sky, which will be held on Saturday 2nd March to accommodate the Muslim holy period of Ramadan.
The Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) will welcome 92 drivers from 37 countries, the action will take place over 3 days in four ultra-competitive series, with F1, F2, F3 and Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East.
The first Gulf Air Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix was held on 04/04/04, the first F1 race to be held in the Middle East, providing a unique spectacle in the Arabian desert. In 2019 the Bahrain circuit saw the 999th F1 race where iconic football player, David Beckham, waved the chequered flag at the end of the race.
Last year’s podium was won by Max Verstappen with a time of 1h:33:56.736 and second place went to Sergio “Checo” Pérez both with Red Bull Racing, while Fernando Alonso took third place driving Aston Martin.
We will soon know who the winners of this first circuit and we will see if Verstappen continues his winning streak this 2024 and starts the year winning in Bahrain.
Bahrain International Circuit
Located in the heart of the Sakhir desert and designed by the renowned German engineer Hermann Tilke, the ultra-modern motorsport facility incorporates six separate track layouts, five of which are FIA-certified and include a test oval and a drag strip, and can host a variety of sporting, corporate, social and community events throughout the year.
The opening day of the race saw some of the biggest names in motorsport compete, with Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher taking pole position ahead of team-mate Rubens Barrichello. Both held their positions throughout the 57-lap race and made history in the first F1 race held in the Middle East.
The Sakhir Tower has an impressive 360-degree view that gives spectators a bird’s eye view of the entire BIC circuit and its surroundings. The architecture of the tower has become an important part of the circuit and stands as an iconic Bahraini landmark.
The BIC Tower has become an emblem in the Kingdom and is now one of Bahrain’s most recognisable structures with a brilliant permanent video and lighting installation reflecting the speed and power of motorsport surrounding it.
The content displayed on the tower façade is a mix of Bahraini cultural elements, abstract motifs, effects and information reacting to the events of the race.
Comments