An introduction to the Bahrain Grand Prix
The Bahrain Grand Prix on 4 April 2004 was the first of its kind to take place in the Middle East. In September 2002, the Kingdom of Bahrain signed an agreement with Bernie Ecclestone to host a round of the Formula One World Championship from 2004 onwards. Since then, construction of the US$150 million Bahrain International Circuit at Sakhir has created one of the most advanced F1 facilities in the world.
Realising the dream of a state-of-the-art motor racing circuit has become a national objective led by HH the Crown Prince Shaik Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa who himself is a motor sport enthusiast and the Honorary President of the Bahrain Motor Federation. Bahrainis are immensely proud to be hosting the Grand Prix and the track’s enhancement of the Kingdom's modern image. Today, the circuit attracts motor enthusiasts and visitors alike.
The first Bahrain Grand Prix in 2004 was won by Michael Schumacher for Ferrari. Since its inception, the Bahrain Grand Prix has been the opening Grand Prix race of the season. However, in 2011 the track experienced a set-back when political unrest led to the cancellation of the Bahrain Grand Prix. The race is back on the 2012 season line-up as the fourth race of the season.
The Bahrain International Circuit provides the Middle East with an international standard venue for all other forms of car and motorcycle racing as well as a range of other motoring activities. Although the main focus of the circuit is motor racing, its start-of-the-art facilities are being used for other venues as well, such as conferences, concerts and corporate events. The circuit is open 365 days a year and now hosts GP2, V8 Supercars, F3 and drag racing events.