Bahrain returns to old track layout for 2011 F1 GP

Following the huge success of the 2010 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix as the inaugural round for the Formula 1 World Championship’s 60th anniversary season, Bahrain International Circuit has today announced that it will be returning to its original track layout in preparation for next year’s season. The use of the extended “endurance track” was part of the celebrations which marked the diamond jubilee of the oldest and most prestigious racing series. It provided a unique opportunity to see the participating teams and drivers of the 24 strong grid navigate several new challenges and turns, marking the 7th Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix as one of the most spectacular races yet seen at the Sakhir track. The 2011 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix will therefore feature the original track layout, which has been used since Bahrain International Circuit’s inaugural race in 2004 when the circuit was awarded the prestigious Best Organised Grand Prix Trophy.

The addition of the FIA approved “endurance track” to Bahrain International Circuit increases the number of Formula 1 tracks eligible for use during the Bahrain leg of the Formula 1 World Championship to three, making the Home of Motorsport in the Middle East one of the most diverse and unique circuits the world over. In keeping with its status as an FIA Centre of Excellence all three tracks have been approved by the FIA and have been recognised as Grade 1 standard.

Commenting on the changes Shaikh Salman Bin Isa Al Khalifa, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain International Circuit, stated, “since its inception in 2004, Bahrain International Circuit has continually set new standards in the world of international motorsport. Known globally as the “Friendly Race” it has been a favourite on the Formula 1™ World Championship calendar for the past seven seasons. As the inaugural round of the Formula 1™ World Championship’s 60th anniversary season, it was important for us to celebrate this momentous occasion by doing something very unique and different. One of the major tasks we undertook to mark this milestone was implementing changes to our FIA approved track layout, giving the participating teams of the 2010 Formula 1™ Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix a completely new challenge. It was an enormous task given the time frame we had to implement it, but one that demonstrated Bahrain’s characteristics as a race promoter prepared to continually make changes designed to heighten the awareness and increase the levels of presentation associated with the sport of Formula One. Both the Grand Prix and the 60th Anniversary celebrations, with 18 of the surviving 20 Formula One World Champions along with the cars that took them to their titles, will be remembered for a long time as a result.”

Jenson Button: “I’m a big fan of Bahrain as a country and I also really enjoy the circuit as there are some great fast-flowing sections where you can really push the car.”

Lewis Hamilton: “I love the Bahrain circuit, it is one of the ones I really look forward to, like Monaco and Spa. It is not so much for the track itself, but because of the facilities; the way the place is organised; the people. It is just such a great trip. It is one of the few places you go to without stress or hassle and you just feel so relaxed there.”

Michael Schumacher: “From a driver’s point of view Bahrain is quite a challenge. Very tricky corner combinations.”