Bahrain International Circuit all set for epic night race
Manama : The global spotlight is once again set to descend upon Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) as the highly anticipated first night race of the season takes place this weekend in Sakhir.
This mega spectacle of racing and entertainment marks the third of 20 rounds in this year’s FIA Formula 1 World Championship and will be the 13th edition of the Bahrain Grand Prix and fourth to be held under BIC’s state-of-the-art floodlights.
With only a day to go before the start of action tomorrow, Formula 1’s star drivers continued to arrive in the Kingdom to get ready for some intense battles.
Amongst the latest to arrive on the island were three-time Bahrain Grand Prix winner Fernando Alonso, two-time winner Felipe Massa, and youngsters Kevin Magnussen and Pascal Wehrlein. They were received upon their arrival by BIC’s Meet and Greet staff, headed by BIC Administration Director Abdulrahman Qarata.
Preparations for the weekend’s events went up another level at the circuit premises, including at the teams’ garages, the Formula 1 Paddock, the Formula 1 Village vending area, the Media Centre, the catering tents, and elsewhere.
As one of Bahrain Grand Prix’s favourite annual traditions, the circuit hosted a welcome dinner this evening under the stars in the Formula 1 Paddock. Formula 1 officials, team members and all those involved in the event enjoyed a relaxing evening of good food and socialising.
The Toro Rosso tandem of Daniil Kvyat and Carlos Sainz Jr have expressed their excitement for the big night race ahead at BIC. “I really like hot races like Bahrain, especially for its unusual night atmosphere – I think it’s really cool to race in these conditions,” said Kvyat. “Half of the races on the calendar should do this!
“The day also starts later, as the race is in the evening, which means that we can sleep more in the mornings! This is very nice and we always arrive to the circuit after a big, delicious breakfast and ready to rock the track!” Of the upcoming challenges on track at BIC, Kvyat said: “I’d say this is one of the trickiest qualifying sessions of the year because it’s usually quite windy and the conditions are changing all the time. There’s sometimes also a bit of sand on track, so it can be very difficult to get the perfect lap!”
Teammate, Sainz enjoys the later schedule that takes place in Bahrain.He commented: “The race is in the evening in Bahrain, so the whole schedule is shifted and the day starts a bit later for us.
“This is good, as it allows us to spend the mornings doing a bit of sport or going to the beach, which is something different! And I have to say that the hotel we stay at in Bahrain is awesome! Its right by the beach and you can do any kind of sport you want – from squash to gym sessions, sea sports… And we always find some time to chill by the pool or at the beach, it’s a must!
“I’d say I always prefer a good hot race, except for Singapore where it’s a bit too hot and humid. The one thing that makes this Grand Prix tricky is the fact that on Friday we have a practice session during the day, when it’s sunny and windy, and another one in the evening, when it’s much cooler. This makes it very difficult to approach the weekend.”
Sainz expressed that he especially enjoys getting out and racing along BIC’s world-class karting track. Of the state-of-the-art Bahrain International Karting Circuit, he commented: “We normally go karting at the track right next to the F1 circuit and it’s great fun! I’d say it’s actually one of the coolest karting tracks I’ve ever been to!
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