On a grand scale, Formula 1 unfolds like an epic tale – its setting, a mysterious land for those who are in transit and a history map for those who have fought and became legends. At the same time, spectators witness how days and nights reveal victors amidst tragedies.
For motorsport enthusiasts, the beauty of Formula One revolves around its sporting aspects and the astonishing innovation behind the most technology-driven sport in the world. For some, this massive event is a time to come together and celebrate the frills and thrills of the physics-defying sport. On the 6th to 8th of April, the world will come together once again to see the highly anticipated desert racing spectacle. This year’s Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is the second of 21 rounds on the 2018 FIA Formula 1 World Championship.
On a grand scale, Formula 1 unfolds like an epic tale – its setting, a mysterious land for those who are in transit and a history map for those who have fought and became legends.
History
The vision of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, to build the first Grand Prix circuit in the Middle East here in the Kingdom of Bahrain was inspired and has brought recognition from around the World.
The 2004 Grand Prix of Bahrain marked the first ever round of the FIA Formula One World Championship to be held in the Middle East. It is also the official culmination of a multi-million-dollar project started back in September 2002 when the Kingdom of Bahrain signed a long-term deal to host the event.
Located at Sakhir, 30 km south-west of the island’s capital, Manama, the Hermann Tilke designed circuit contains no less than five track layouts within one complex. Its construction began in November 2002 and in the months prior to its March 2004 completion, work was going on around the clock. Over 12,000 tonnes of stone were used in the build, a third of it Welsh granite, chosen for the track surface due to its excellent adhesive qualities.
The original 5.412 km Grand Prix circuit was designed with the spectator in mind, with 50,000 grandstand seats, all providing excellent views. Those spectators (a total of 100,000 over a race weekend) get to see the cars heading into the external desert area, before coming back into the oasis-styled infield. Up to 500 journalists can also witness the action from the venue’s purpose-built media centre.
A revised ‘endurance’ track layout was used for the 2010 event, with an additional complex starting at Turn Four extending the lap to 23 corners and 6.299 km, but the event has used the original track configuration ever since. It offers the driver a unique experience in the way the circuit’s width varies at the end of the different straights. This allows for diverse racing lines, and the 15-corner design provides at least three genuine overtaking opportunities.
From Bahrain to the World
The Formula One Grand Prix remains to be the Gulf’s largest annual sporting, business and leisure platform, as well as being Bahrain’s leading international event that acts as a window to the world. It also is a platform to promote the local market and showcase how much this island can offer to business leaders internationally. Thus, providing more opportunities for the locals and unifying the Kingdom even more so.
Through the Formula One, the small island of Bahrain becomes a world player in a lot of aspects. The fast-paced nature of the sport mirrors the Kingdom’s leadership in terms of hospitality – providing the best possible experience and fulfilling everyone’s expectations beyond compare.
Bahrain has a charm that extends much further than the racing track – its prestige, legacy and history will hold a special place in the hearts and minds of everyone connected to Formula One.
Through the Formula One, the small island of Bahrain becomes a world player in a lot of aspects
The 2018 Grand Prix
The weekend’s on-track events will be highlighted by the 57-lap night race. Off the track, the live performance featuring legendary musician Carlos Santana has gotten everyone talking and pumped for the big Friday night concert.
This year’s Bahrain Grand Prix will flag off at 6.10pm, 10 minutes later than its regular start time. Twenty of the world’s most popular star drivers will be lining up on the grid representing 10 of motorsport’s leading international racing teams. Amongst them will be last year’s winner at BIC, Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari, along with defending World champion Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes.
Aside from Formula 1, there will also be plenty of racing in the two support series, namely the FIA Formula 2 Championship and the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East. Formula 2 is widely accepted to be the chief feeder series to Formula 1. It will be holding the opening round of its 2018 season at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
The Porsche GT3 Cup is the biggest and most popular one-make motor racing championship in the entire region. It has been the number one choice of the Arab world’s most promising circuit racing drivers to broaden their racing experience in a professionally run series. The series will be holding its sixth and final round of its 2017/2018 campaign.
Off the Track
Off the track, one of the biggest attractions will be the live performance of Santana. He is bringing his celebrated Divination Tour to BIC.
Also as part of the entertainment at BIC, race-goers will have a trio of extreme rides to choose from, including a Reverse Bungee, a SCAD (Suspended Catch Air Device) Freefall and a Sky Coaster. Further entertainment will be seen at the Circus Stage, and from the Roaming Acts and Street Musicians and Dancers.
Young children will be able to enjoy a wide selection of engaging activities, all within a massive tent erected in BIC’s Formula 1 Village. Within this marquee, BIC has created four zones allocated for Circus Shows, Theatre Shows, a Candyland Interactive Zone and a Play Ground.
Bahrain has a charm that extends much further than the racing track – its prestige, legacy and history will hold a special place in the hearts and minds of everyone connected to Formula One.
Where to Purchase Tickets?
Tickets to this year’s Bahrain Grand Prix can be purchased at the BIC stand at Bahrain City Centre. They can also be bought online at www.bahraingp.com or by calling the BIC Hotline on +973-17-450000. The prices are amongst the most competitive for any event on the Formula 1 calendar, with prices held at the same level for the fifth consecutive year.
Turn One Grandstand, University Grandstands and Victory Grandstands. Main Grandstand seats cost BD150 each for the three days, while Batelco Grandstand tickets are BD120 and Turn One tickets BD100. University and Victory Grandstand tickets cost BD60.
For the first time this year, fans will be able to purchase a single Friday ticket for the Batelco Grandstand at BD60, or they can buy a two-day ticket for Saturday and Sunday, also for the Batelco Grandstand for BD100. For further information on the Formula 1 2018 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix or to make a booking for tickets, visit bahraingp.com or call the BIC Hotline on +973-17-450000.