Bahrain Circuit Ahead of Schedule

Construction of the new circuit that will host the first Formula One Grand Prix at Bahrain in 2004 is ahead of schedule, according to Shaikh Fawaz, president of the General Organisation for Youth and Sports of Bahrain.

"As of this week, 1.6 per cent of the work has been completed, ahead of a projected 1.3pc completion schedule," Fawaz told Bahrain's Gulf Daily News newspaper. "A total of 151,050 man hours have been spent with a total site manpower of 318 people.

"As of today, 54 days have elapsed and 431 days remain until the completion date. For Bahrain to build such an advanced facility in such a short time will be an achievement in itself and based on today's evidence we are very confident of a March 2004 handover."

More than $150 million are being spent on the new 5.5-km circuit outside the city of Manama in the south of the country. The venue will be a multi-purpose facility with six different lay-outs, including a flat oval for testing and a 1.2-kilometre drag strip.

Work began in November last year and is expected to be completed by March 2004. Bahrain Motor Federation president Shaikh Tariq said the facility will be among the best in the world.

"When completed, the circuit will be the most advanced facility of its kind in the world and is scheduled to host a round of the International Automobile Federation Formula One World Championship in October next year," said Tariq.

"We are projecting a 200-day annual usage, which will include a one-make car series and motorbike races prior to the Bahrain Grand Prix."