The Bahrain International Circuit, an FIA Institute Centre of Excellence world-renowned for its advanced facilities, has become a safe choice for major championships looking for a venue in the Middle East.
Built in just 16 months, from December 2002 to March 2004, the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) rose from the desert into the top echelons of world motor sport, and has continued to build its reputation as a world class facility ever since.
The project, the brainchild of Crown Prince Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa, was launched not only as a venue to host a Formula One Grand Prix in Bahrain, but also to provide a ‘home for motor sport in the Middle East’, offering a safe, community environment to promote the sport in the region.
Located 30 kilometres south of Bahrain’s capital city, Manama, BIC boasts eight individual circuits, home to national championships, local series, drag racing and karting. Its success to date has also led to a flooding of international championships, including GP2, FIA GT and the Formula BMW World Final. It also hosts the annual Desert 400 race, the only round of the V8 Supercars series held outside Australasia.
Motor sport championships are no doubt attracted to the circuit for its state-of-the-art facilities and wide range of safety features. In 2007, the BIC became the second circuit to be presented with the FIA’s Centre of Excellence award, in large part due to its advanced safety developments and facilities.
Martin Whitaker, CE O of BIC, said: “We are very proud of the high level of safety available to our motor sport participants here in Bahrain. Our circuit has exceptional run-off areas that use the same high adhesion asphalt as the racing surface. In addition, we have traditional tyre barriers covered with conveyor belts at all corners. BIC’s Race Control bristles with the latest technology, including 41 remote-controlled security cameras with zoom capabilities that enable officials to monitor every aspect of the track from a central point.”
Complete camera coverage is available for all five circuit configurations, allowing for a direct feed to the primary race control room and secondary race control. This closed circuit television system is also linked to a DVS recording system so that all track footage can be easily located and replayed when necessary.
Having hosted the sixth Bahrain Grand Prix in April 2009, BIC officials continue to assess developments in the motor sport safety industry, and update the F1 circuit as necessary. For example, adjustments were made to the depth of certain tyre barriers at turns one and 14 with instruction from F1 Race Director Charlie Whiting.
Whitaker said: “Naturally, we at BIC are happy to assist the FIA in any safety enhancements and have volunteered the circuit’s services in developing any new technology. Both the Bahrain Motor Federation and the circuit have a magnificent relationship with Charlie Whiting and have a regular open dialogue with him on things we would like to try, things that the FIA may be hoping to try, and general ideas. The circuit here is always ready to host a race at any time and I’d like to believe it is always presented to the highest standards in terms of safety.”
Another crucial aspect of maintaining safe procedures during all BIC events is advanced marshal training undertaken by the Bahrain Motor Federation (BMF). BIC assists by providing training locations, familiarisation, and training visits to other clubs and circuits. Whenever possible, BIC supplies vehicles to enable practice extrication exercises and provides all other available equipment for training exercises.
As a Centre of Excellence, BIC plays an integral role in advancing motor sport safety. It has been instrumental in evolving the race control environment, testing new types of marshal posts and ensuring proper shade around the track to combat the extreme heat.
Whitaker said: “The BIC has looked at the way that the personnel around the track interact with one another, the teams and the changing conditions of racing. Whenever the Bahrain Motor Federation, the Motorsport Marshals Club or the Medical Teams identify new areas for improvement or development then we work closely with them to ensure that we lead the way.”
In terms of medical facilities, the BIC Medical Centre is equipped to strict FIA Medical Commission and international racing standards. It features a traditional outpatient area and boasts state-of-the-art burns treatment and x-ray facilities. There are also two medical helipads located within the confines of the Medical Centre.
As well as advanced safety and medical facilities, BIC has an impressive infrastructure capable of hosting its wide range of events and a vast number of spectators. Designed by Hermann Tilke, the architect responsible for the Istanbul Park, Valencia, Sepang and Shanghai Grand Prix circuits, BIC’s layout allows for two of its eight track circuits to be running at the same time. BIC’s grandstands can hold 45,000 spectators, including 10,500 in the main grandstand. The venue also boasts the eight-storey Sakhir Tower with roof terrace, VIP suites, restaurant and offices, and the Oasis Complex, a separate pit building dedicated to support races and vehicle testing technical support.
Whitaker said: “We are extremely proud of our safety record and of the first class relationship we have with all of the personnel involved in the safety side of motor sport in the Kingdom. As well as circuit racing, we have a great track record for drag racing, karting, motocross, autocross and drifting, and welcome any new safety initiatives that result from the excellent work carried out by the FIA and FIA Institute.”