Bahrain Thread

[TheStig]

The circuit and its facilities itself are state-of-the-art. The track actually consists of five separate circuits, including a 2.5km oval and a 1.2km drag strip. The 5.417 km Grand Prix configuration consists of a kilometre long start/finish straight, 12 turns, including several low-speed corners which increases the technical emphasis on aerodynamic efficiency and traction, and a relief that ranges between 0 and 18 metres, to give an undulating track that is sure to test the drivers. There are three genuine overtaking points, the most exciting being the downhill run into the hairpin at the back of the circuit, but extracting that performance will be tricky thanks to the lower downforce configuration, leading to cars that have a tendancy to oversteer, probably more so without traction control.

The hot weather poses a challenge for both car and driver and although the humidity is generally lower than in the Far East, track temperatures will be high, with air temperatures expected to reach around 30°C during Sunday's race. Of more concern is the desert sand, with every team taking extra precautions to protect the internals of their cars.

The facilities include a spectacular 10,000 seater grandstand, a total capacity of 50,000, an impressive pit complex for up to 18 teams and a large media centre for 500 people. Dominating the circuit is the nine-storey Sakhir Tower, which will host the VIP's attending the race in consummate luxury.

Last year's race saw Ferrari's Felipe Massa secure the win, while Honda Racing F1 had a torrid weekend. Qualifying 15th, Rubens Barrichello made little impact in the race, crossig the line in a distant 13th position. Starting one place back on the grid, Jenson Button afternoon lasted just a few hundred metres until he was caught in an ever shrinking piece of tarmac, with the resulting accident putting him out of the Grand Prix.

The inaugural race saw Jenson managing to claim a second podium finish, taking third at the flag, while team mate Takuma Sato also claimed three points, bringing his BAR 006 home in fifth position.