Analysis: Bahrain Raises the Bar for other Tracks

Formula One's first visit to the Middle East has left team bosses and drivers marvelling at their most modern circuit yet while also fearing for the future of some of Europe's more historic venues.

Bahrain's $150 million circuit in the desert was simply stunning.

"As an Englishman I've always been a very strong supporter of Silverstone and damn Bernie (Ecclestone), so to speak, if he tries to kill it," said team boss Frank Williams, referring to the British Grand Prix track.

"But when you are right here, you think 'Oh, there is a problem and he's right'. You can see where he's coming from. It (Bahrain) shows you why Silverstone really has a material problem."

Bahrain has spared no expense in providing Formula One with a tailor-made facility boasting spacious garages, ample hospitality facilities and luxurious surroundings. The Sakhir track, with clear overtaking opportunities presented on Sunday, won a resounding thumbs up from drivers.

"I think everyone knows I'm in love with Spa (in Belgium), so that stays number one, but this is not far off," said Ferrari's six times World Champion Michael Schumacher. "It's really taken care of all the problems we have in other circuits. I think it's a great success."

Old House

Silverstone, the World War Two airfield that hosted the first Formula One race in 1950, has suffered frequent criticism from commercial supremo Ecclestone and Max Mosley, head of the FIA.

Ecclestone likened it at the weekend to an old house whose owners are proposing to refurbish it with no more than a lick of paint and a change of light bulbs.

"They are never going to build something like this but they certainly could build something a lot better than is being proposed," he said.

Eddie Jordan, whose team are based at Silverstone, added: "Silverstone should up their game and if they don't they will suffer the consequences. There are too many new circuits that have come up with something unbelievable."

But Silverstone, which has embarked on a development programme, is not alone in needing a facelift. The next round at Imola could be the last at the Italian circuit, which needs substantial funding to bring it up to scratch.

The three most modern circuits in Formula One are now all in the developing world - Malaysia, Bahrain and China from September - and all are funded by government.

"It's very important for us that Formula One turns from a European Championship with some overseas races to a full world championship and venues like this which take Formula One to a new region for the first time," said BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen.

"On the other hand we would certainly not like to lose the traditional events which made Formula One popular and which Formula One stands for.

"Monza, Spa, Silverstone, Nuerburgring. We certainly support that these venues stay on the calendar because it's the heart of the sport," added Theissen. "But the standard has risen a lot in the past five years... these completely new places have lifted the bar dramatically.

"So it's clear that anyone who comes in next will try to match this at least and that makes clear that the old venues have to do something."