| F1: 2009 - Rd. 4 Sakhir (BHR) - 26 April 2009 |
2009 Bahrain Grand Prix: 24 - 26 April 2009
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2008 DATA:
Length / distance:
5.412 km / 308.238 km |
No of Laps:
57 |
2008 Pole Position:
Robert Kubica (BMW Sauber F1 Team) 1:33.096min |
Lap Record:
M. Schumacher - 1:30.252 (Ferrari, 2004) |
2008 Fastest Lap:
Heikki Kovalainen - 1:33.193 (McLaren Mercedes) |
2008 Top 8:
1. F. Massa (Ferrari)
2. K. Räikkönen (Ferrari)
3. R. Kubica (BMW Sauber F1 Team)
4. N. Heidfeld (BMW Sauber F1 Team)
5. H. Kovalainen (McLaren Mercedes)
6. J. Trulli (Toyota)
7. M. Webber (Red Bull Racing)
8. N. Rosberg (Williams-Toyota) |
Bahrain GP Facts:
| Full throttle ratio |
63% |
| Top speed race |
309 km/h |
| Longest flat-out section |
14sec / 1050m |
| Right-/left-hand turns |
9/6 |
| Tyre wear |
Medium |
| Brake wear |
high |
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Downforce level
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medium |
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Gearshifts per lap
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58 |
Circuit Profile:
The first FIA Formula One World Championship to be held in the Middle East was held in 2004 with the Grand Prix of Bahrain. The multi-million dollar project began in September 2002 when the Kingdom of Bahrain signed a long-term deal to host the championship.
A national objective, the success of the Bahrain International Circuit is led by HH the Crown Prince, Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, a lifelong motor sport enthusiast and Honorary President of the Bahrain Motor Federation (BMF). The Island already plays host to the Bahrain International Rally (part of the FIA Middle East Championship) and the development of the circuit is seen as a catalyst to further growth of motor sports.
The circuit and its associated events are also seen as one of the keys to enhance the country’s economy through employment and skills opportunities as well as put Bahrain on the world map.
Designed by Herman Tilke, the Sakhir circuit is located 30 kilometers south-west of the island’s capital, Manama. The circuit is designed with five track layouts within a single complex. The construction of the circuit commenced in November 2002. The project utilised over 12,000 tonnes of stone, a third of it made up of Welsh granite for the track surface.
The 5.411 km circuit can seat 50,000 guests in the grandstands. In total, the circuit can accommodate 100,000 spectators, all with the view of the cars heading off into the desert before returning to the oasis-styled infield. The track also offers the driver a unique experience through the circuit’s variable width at the end of the different straights, which allows diverse racing lines. The 12-corner design also provides several overtaking opportunities.
The arrival point for visitors to the country is the ultra-modern Bahrain International Airport, located in Muharraq on Bahrain Island, the largest of the Kingdom’s 36 islands. The airport lies a few kilometres north-east of the capital, Manama. Due to the Island’s relatively small size, the easiest way to access the circuit is by road via Bahrain’s efficient bus services or by car. Information on the two alternative routes from the airport is available at the circuit’s official website. Bahrain is also linked by road to Saudi Arabia via the King Fahad causeway.
BMW Sauber F1 Team on Bahrain:
Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director:
“As a manufacturer of premium cars BMW has much to gain from the Middle East region. We will be looking to finish the first block of overseas races on a positive note in Bahrain. Robert secured his and the BMW Sauber F1 Team’s first pole position in 2008 here, allowing us to reach another milestone in the process. Last year we returned to Europe from Bahrain – which was the third race on the calendar – at the top of the Constructors’ Championship.”
Willy Rampf, Head of Engineering:
“The aerodynamic set-up for the car in Bahrain is all about compromise. The many slow corners demand a lot of downforce, but the extra width of the circuit also encourages the drivers to overtake. For this reason, you can’t afford to neglect top speed either. Good traction is also important, especially in the turn leading out of the start/finish straight. The sand in Bahrain means we can expect a high level of tyre wear, and that plays an important role in the race strategy.”
Robert Kubica:
“I’m looking forward to the race in Bahrain, especially as I took my first F1 pole position there in 2008. The circuit is totally different from Melbourne, Sepang and Shanghai; it has long straights with hard braking zones. Added to which, there are hardly any high-speed corners. The wind can play a big role here. Of course we have to wait and see how the F1.09 will perform at the circuit, but we were very competitive there in 2008.”
PAST WINNERS
| Year |
Driver |
| 2007 |
F. Massa |
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2006
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F. Alonso |
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2005
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F. Alonso |
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2004
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M. Schumacher |
Other Circuits
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