Bahrain International Circuit

Bahrain is Second Longest Track:

Designed specifically for Formula One, the Bahrain International Circuit has been in use since 2004. The circuit is the second-longest track used in the series, behind the Spa-Francorchamps track in Belgium, which is seven kilometers.

“The best aspect of the circuit is that you can overtake,” said Pedro de la Rosa, the Sauber driver. “There are three long straights with each followed by a corner where you have to brake really hard. We will have good racing there, I think.”

Not all the drivers like the track, which is typical of several of the new Formula 1 tracks done by the German designer Hermann Tilke. They are often flat, lacking in high-speed corners and tend to emphasize safety. Some drivers think the new corners will make no difference.

“I’m not a big fan of this type of track as I love high-speed corners and circuits," said Tonio Liuzzi, a driver at the Force India team.

Bahrain Track Updated in 2010:

The track had 8 new corners added in 2010 and Robert Kubica, a driver at Renault, said that passing will continue to happen mostly in Turns 1 and 4.

“The most challenging part of the lap is the old Turn 8 [now Turn 18], which is very difficult for braking because of the lateral forces acting on the car, and it’s easy to lock the inside front wheel,” Kubica added. “It’s difficult to get the car positioned correctly because the braking zone is long and there are many different lines that you can use. The most important thing is to carry as much speed as you can, but not out-brake yourself because you need to get on the power early for the straight that follows. It’s a difficult corner, but it’s a challenge so it’s my favorite.”

A driver who goes out at the end of qualifying can benefit by the cleaning of the sand off the track by the other cars.

It is one of the hottest races for the drivers.

“The best way to deal with the associated stress on the body is to get outside and acclimatize; going in and out of aircon won’t help,” said David Coulthard, who retired from racing in 2008, but remains as a spokesperson for his former team, Red Bull. “Avoid drinking too much alcohol and coffee and drink two to three times the amount of water you would normally to avoid the first signs of dehydration.

“Otherwise lots of sun cream and enjoy the warmth on your face,” he added. “Guaranteed to put a smile on it.”