Bahrain F1 circuit ahead of schedule

Work on the new Bahrain F1 circuit, due for completion by March 2004, is ahead of schedule with the foundations for the main three-storey grandstand, three and two-storey pit buildings and 10-storey VIP Tower now completed. "As of this week, 1.6 percent of the work has been completed, ahead of a projected 1.3 percent completion schedule," said Shaikh Fawaz, the president of Bahrarin's Youth & Sports ministry

Jan 5, 2003, 5:32 PM

German firm Tilke & Partners has designed the 169-hectare site, which is under build by Malaysian contractor WCT Engineering - the same combination responsible for the Sepang circuit near Kuala Lumpur. The Bahrain complex is expected to be the most advanced facility of its kind in the world, featuring a 5.47km circuit complete with a 2.4km inner track designed for testing, a 3.4km multi-purpose outer track, a 1.2 km drag strip and a 2.5km test oval for endurance testing.

Bahrain Motor Federation president Shaikh Tariq bin Mohammed Al Khalifa said: "We are projecting a 200-day annual usage, which will include a one-make car series and motorcycle races prior to the Bahrain GP."