Bahrain International Circuit

Sakhir, Bahrain

Track Layout

Click to enlarge

Sector 1

Sector 2

Sector 3

Start/Finish

Circuit Information

Track Length

5.412 km

Corners

First Grand Prix

2004

Circuit Type

permanent

Direction

clockwise

Lap Record

1:31.447

Pedro de la Rosa (2005)

Historic Photos

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Circuit Designer

Hermann Tilke

Tilke Engineers

2004Last update: 2020

Circuit Evolution

2010Extended "Endurance" layout (6.299km) used once - widely criticized

2020Outer Track layout used for Sakhir GP - different from main GP circuit

Historic Moments

2004first

F1 Comes to the Middle East

Michael Schumacher won the first ever Middle Eastern F1 race in dominant fashion, leading a Ferrari 1-2.

2014first

Under the Lights

Bahrain became a twilight race, starting at sunset for dramatic visuals and better TV times in Europe.

2019classic

Leclerc's Heartbreak

Charles Leclerc dominated but his engine lost a cylinder with 10 laps to go. He limped home 3rd as Hamilton inherited victory.

2020tragedy

The Miracle of Grosjean

Romain Grosjean's Haas speared into the barrier at 220km/h, splitting in half and erupting in flames. He escaped after 28 seconds. The Halo saved his life.

Did You Know?

1First Grand Prix in the Middle East, paving the way for F1's expansion to the region
2Located in the Sakhir desert, 30km south of Manama
3Converted to a twilight/night race in 2014 for dramatic lighting and better European TV times
4Has hosted pre-season testing multiple times due to reliable weather
5The Turn 4-5-6-7 complex is notoriously difficult for overtaking
6Features an 8-story VIP tower overlooking the track

First Formula 1 Race

2004

Years of F1 Racing