BIC gears up for F1 weekend

TDT | Manama

Email : hussianm@newsofbahrain.com

The Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) is set to roar to life this weekend as final preparations wrap up for the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2025.

Over 11,000 fans are expected at the Sakhir circuit as preparations enter their final stretch. During a press conference held yesterday, the organising committee revealed key updates to ensure a seamless experience for the thousands of fans heading to Sakhir. More than 11,000 spectators from Bahrain and around the world are expected to attend, prompting a wave of new measures aimed at reducing congestion and improving access. Among the most notable: a colour-coded vehicle sticker system with QR codes, required for all cars entering parking areas near the circuit. Without these stickers, vehicles will not be permitted to access roads in Zallaq and Sakhir leading to the venue.

Speaking exclusively to TDT, Laurence James, Head of Marketing and Communications at BIC, urged Grandstand ticket holders and other attendees to consider shared transportation. “What we’re doing is encouraging people to share cars or transport with friends and family,” he said. “For those with three or more Grandstand tickets, a parking pass has been allocated to help reduce congestion around the circuit.”

James highlighted the ease of using alternative options: “We’ve enhanced the drop-off and pick-up locations, and we’re running free shuttle buses every 45 minutes from more than 10 hotels across Manama, Seef, and down south near Jumeirah. These are good-capacity buses, and all the details — including hotel names and timings — are available on our Instagram and website.”

To help guide fans along the way, 13 digital signboards have been installed on key routes. Eight fan-sorting checkpoints will begin operating from Bahrain Bay to the circuit gates to direct attendees to their correct parking or drop-off zones.

Adel E. Aldoseri from the Ministry of Interior explained the broader security and traffic plan: “We’ve created a comprehensive traffic route around Bahrain International Circuit, including from Gulf of Bahrain Avenue, Zallaq, and King Fahd Causeway for our visitors from Saudi Arabia,” he said. “Traffic patrols and officers will be present at all intersections and lights to ensure smooth flow in and out. On Friday and Saturday, entry and exit routes will run normally. However, on Sunday, immediately after the race, six lanes will reverse direction to allow fans to exit quickly and safely.”

He stressed that all vehicles must display the appropriate sticker clearly on the windshield to avoid issues upon entry. To support the expected influx, BIC has added 3,000 parking spaces on-site. Overflow parking zones have also been confirmed at Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, Al Dana Amphitheatre, and Gravity, with University of Bahrain on standby as a contingency location.

The committee reiterated that fans must adhere to the route designated on their car sticker and urged the use of free shuttle buses available from top hotels, tourism zones, and commercial centres to prevent traffic bottlenecks.

Coordination has been finalised with Bahrain International Airport and King Fahd Causeway to welcome international fans, while special emergency planning is also in full swing. The Ministry of Interior confirmed that 14 out of 16 emergency evacuation drills have already been successfully conducted — involving police, civil defence, ambulances, and national security units — and will be completed before Friday’s race day. With logistics, traffic, and safety protocols nearing the finish line, Bahrain is poised once again to deliver an unforgettable weekend of motorsport.