Sakhir is one of the acclaimed Grand Prix Circuits in the Middle East that has been the venue for Bahrain Grand Prix since 2004. The inaugural Formula 1 race in Sakhir, held in 2004 was won by the legendary Micheal Schumacher.
Sakhir, situated in Bahrain, is one of the primary venues for the 2008 Formula 1 car racing Championship. The construction of the internationally acclaimed Grand Prix Circuit started in 2002 and the first race was held in 2004.
Track History:
The racing track at Sakhir stretches over a length of 5.412 kilometers and has a race distance of 308.238 kilometers. The track has a total of 57 laps to complete. Micheal Schumacher, who won the first Grand Prix on this track in 2004, also has the fastest lap record in the Sakhir Race Circuit.
Races and Winners:
Other than Formula 1 Competitions, the Grand Prix Circuit in Sakhir has been the venue for GT Races, Formula 3 Races, Drag Races and Australian V8 Supercar Series. The Formula 1 Championship has been held on this track in the consecutive years since 2004. The winners on this track are listed below:
- 2004 Formula 1 – Micheal Schumacher
- 2005 Formula 1 – Fernando Alonso
- 2006 Formula 1 – Fernando Alonso
- 2007 Formula 1 – Felipe Massa
Attributes:
The track has well spaced run off area, which are advantageous for the racers losing control and moving off course. With its inbuilt infrastructure, it is reputed to be one of the safest car racing tracks in the world. One of the primary characteristics of the International track is that the winners do not shower Champagne on the podium. Instead, Waard or the famed non-alcoholic rosewater beverage is used. Gulf Air has been the official sponsor of The Bahrain Grand Prix organized in Sakhir since 2004.
Accolades:
The Bahrain Grand Prix has earned the repute of introducing Formula 1 car racing in the Middle Eastern countries. The FIA honored the first race with the award of the Best Organized Grand Prix in 2004.
Sakhir was declared as a 2008 Formula 1 venue by the FIA. The importance of this track maybe foreshadowed with the establishment of the Yas Island Racing Circuit in Abu Dhabi, which is likely to host the 2009 Formula 1 Championship.
