Bahrain Grand Prix
One of the attractions of the Formula 1 Championship series is that each race
is set in different locations, the more exotic, the better. In 2004, Bahrain
provided Formula 1 with one of its most exotic locations yet, an Arab kingdom
that is 5,000 years old, yet is also thoroughly modern and liberal. Many get
Bahrain Grand Prix tickets not only to enjoy the race but also to soak up the
unique culture: the island country offers both a cosmopolitan city where the
nightlife is busy and vibrant and the outskirts of the city feel like a scene
from an old adventure film. Several of the race drivers and event attendees
commenting on the "Arabian Nights" feel of the place as the sand kicks up in the
early evening.
Don't worry about the sand, though. One of the biggest worries about holding a
grand prix in the Middle East was that the sand would be flying every which way
and distract the race with fatal consequences, let alone unmanageable
sandstorms. However, this was solved by spraying an adhesive substance on the
sand around the Bahrain International Circuit, and it seems to work. It would
definitely be a shame to cancel the Bahrain Grand Prix for the small matter of
sand, especially when its racing circuit is the best in the championship.
Designed by Hermann Tilke, who also designed the amazing Sepang International
Circuit in Malaysia, the Bahrain International Circuit was said to cost around
US $150 million, as it has six tracks, a practice oval, a drag strip and some of
the most technologically advanced facilities in the world. It holds the
distinction of being the first Grand Prix race track to receive a Centre of
Excellence award from the FIA Institute. One reason is the wide run-off spaces,
which some have criticized as spoiling the drivers who are unable to stay on the
track, but allows optimum safety and far less fatal accidents than other
circuits.
The FIA also named the Bahrain Grand Prix the Most Organised Grand Prix on its
inaugural race – an unprecedented feat in the Formula 1 Championship. This is
also interesting because the builders of the Bahrain circuit were doubtful that
the circuit would not be completed in time for the 2004 race and almost begged
off from the championship, postponing its inaugural race to 2005. The 2004
Bahrain Grand Prix went on as scheduled, despite some incomplete facilities.
Most organised, indeed!
Michael Schumacher won that inaugural race, but was bested by Fernando Alonso
a year later; Alonso would dominate the Bahrain Grand Prix by winning in 2005
and 2006. Felipe Massa of Brazil won the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2007.
The Bahrain International Circuit is found in Sakhir, which is not very
tourist-friendly, though its wide open space is great for the Grand Prix.
Instead, audiences, drivers and crew stay in the city of Manama, which is a
40-minute drive away, but definitely worth the commute. Manama has all kinds of
accommodations available, from 5-star hotels to budget pensions, and it's fairly
easy to get around. Also, staying in Manama will prove to be entertaining, given
that the city is filled with Western-influenced shopping malls, discos and bars,
as well as authentic Bahraini souqs and restaurants, to be enjoyed while not at
the race.
April is a summer month in Bahrain, so it's always a great bet to get a seat at
the grandstand, which offers shelter from the sun. The grandstand facing the
start/finish line is three-tiered, with different prices for each, so try to
inquire about those seats early as they are the most popular. Still, any Bahrain
Grand Prix ticket provides a spectacular view of the race, and general admission
is quite fine despite the weather. Be ready with a floppy hat and a flask of
water to cool you down.
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