Bahrain 19-21 April 2013
On April 4, 2004, Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari was first to the chequered flag to win the Bahrain Grand Prix, the first FIA Formula One World Championship event held in the Middle East.
This symbolic act marked the end of an amazing 16 months – and the beginning of a brilliant future – for Bahrain International Circuit (BIC).
The track was conceived as an integral part of the objective of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander, of increasing the awareness and profile of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Designed by Hermann Tilke, the German architect responsible for new GP venues in Malaysia, China, Turkey and Valencia, BIC was scheduled for a two-year build.
But then Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone asked if that schedule could be brought forward by six months. Without a moment’s hesitation, BIC agreed.
“There was a flood of Press speculation that the track would not be ready for its inaugural Grand Prix,” says BIC Chief Executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa. “But under the guidance of Shaikhs Mohammed bin Isa and Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, it was more than ready.
“It was a period of intense excitement and hard work. The drive to have the circuit finished on time coursed through the veins of everyone connected with it: pride, passion and, ultimately, huge satisfaction in a job well done.”
The first piece of ground was broken in December of 2002. The ‘keys’ to the circuit were handed over to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on March 17, 2004.
In less than a year-and-a-half and at a cost of $150 million, a world-class motorsport facility had risen out of the desert 30 kilometres south of Bahrain’s capital city, Manama, and BIC’s reputation has grown ever since.
Its annual Grand Prix is now renowned as one of the most friendly, atmospheric and exciting of the season.
And its success – based on the sound foundation of BIC’s friendly and professional staff – has brought other international race series flooding in: international Formula 3, GP2, GP2 Asia, the FIA GT Championship, the BMW World Final, the V8 Supercars Australia have all raced at BIC, and in 2012, the FIA World Endurance Championship adds to the calendar.
BIC has encouraged the rapid development of local motorsport. Its drag strip has given new focus to what has long been a popular sport in the Middle East, and it is now a member of the prestigious National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Worldwide Network.
VIVA Karting Track, BIC’s all-new state-of-the-art karting facility built to standards of the Commission Internationale de Karting (CIK), helps unearth young local talent; and its on-site technicians provide vital racing expertise.
Off track, BIC’s 4x4 desert obstacle course offers a unique kind of thrill, as do all the other experiences – competitive, social or corporate – that take place almost every day throughout the year.
With all it has to offer, Bahrain International Circuit is a one-of-a-kind facility, earning itself the perfect tag of “The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East”.