Going to the Bahrain Grand Prix at Bahrain International Circuit

Going to the 2014 Bahrain Grand Prix at Bahrain International Circuit

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    Discussion area for people going to the 2014 Bahrain Grand Prix.

    #246430
    Alex green
    Participant

    Im going anybody else??

    #246431
    Alex green
    Participant

    Booked into the elite grand reef,looks decent enough,pool etc and close to a mall for food and stuff

    #246432
    LAK
    Participant

    The 2014 Press Conference of the Bahrain Grand Prix:

    FASCINAT10N: Celebrating 10 Years

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/47930768@N04/12320896345/

    Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al-Khalifa, the CEO of the Bahrain International Circuit, opened the press conference by expressing his gratitude and thanks for 10 years of hosting the pinnacle of motorsports, Formula 1. “It gives us great honour to announce we are 60 days away from the 2014 Bahrain Grand Prix. This year’s race is very special to us as it’s our 10th race”, said Shaikh Salman. Ten years of excitement, ten years of thrill, ten years have passed by since Bahrain’s inaugural back in 04, 04, 2004, he continued. This year’s race will begin on Friday 04, 04, 2014, ten years to the date. The CEO expressed his thanks to Mr. Zayed Al-Zayani, the Chairman of the BIC, for his efforts in getting the FIA’s approval of this special date.

    The slogan of this year in Arabic is “Don’t miss out!”, as this year’s race will be different than the previous years, and one not to be missed! Bahrain’s Formula 1 race has turned nocturnal and will be the second full night race of the calendar. Abu Dhabi is known as a twilight race, whereas the Bahrain race like Singapore will start after sunset at 6pm. A lot of effort and planning has gone into preparing the circuit to host a night race, and has been the biggest change to the circuit to date, explained Sh. Salman. It took five hundred kilos of cabling, and 495 light poles to light up the track. Some light poles have up to 120 spotlight fixtures on them, while others have 18 fixtures depending on their location.

    The possibility of a night race was an idea that came up after F1’s first night race in Singapore and Abu Dhabi’s twilight race, revealed Sh. Salman. The Bahrain International Circuit have cooperated with their colleagues at Yas Marina circuit and have visited the Singapore Grand Prix to learn from their experiences. Having a night race opens up many positive opportunities. One of them is that it allows the circuit to host a larger array of races, specially those that go from day to night. It also allows for activities to last whole day long and not be limited to sunlight. They realized this as well when they opened the new Karting Circuit at the BIC which is equipped with flood lights.

    Having a night race also allows a larger fan base to attend the Grand Prix. Sunday is a working day in Bahrain and most people are either at work or school. A later hour will allow those who have jobs or school to enjoy the race as well.

    Shaikh Salman expressed the Bahrain International Circuit’s honour of hosting the two latter testing sessions of 2014. There will be a chance for the public to attend the testing sessions for a small fee of 5BD on the 21st and 22nd of Feb., and the 28th and 1st of March. This year’s new regulations and new engines will add newfound excitement to the Grand Prix. The new Energy Recovery System regulation will allow cars to use it for 33 seconds per lap whereas last year’s KERS only allowed them 6 seconds. This will undoubtedly affect the racing and add more thrill.

    As for the support races, Sh. Salman said the BIC’s is privileged to host the feeder into Formula 1, GP2, as the main support race. This year’s GP will also highlight the region’s local talent in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East Championship instead of the International Porsche Supercup GT3. “We felt the need to support our local talent as the ‘home of motorsport in the Middle East'”, said Shaikh Salman. He extended his thanks to Mr. Walter Lechner, the founder and promoter of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, for creating the best local championship that travels all over the GCC. We are proud that it started in Bahrain, and feel it’s time to honor our local talents and give them a chance to shine during the Grand Prix weekend, expressed Sh. Salman.

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/47930768@N04/12321039883/

    The Entertainment this year as every year is bigger and better. The CEO refused to reveal all the details, but did mention that they will be something for all ages. The Bahrain Grand Prix is known for it’s family oriented approach and is one of the only races that caters to the whole family. The Children’s tent this year will have an “Island Fanta-sea” theme reveled Sh. Salman. It will be much bigger than last year’s one, which was very big. There will be not one, but three Musical concerts of world renowned artists which will be revealed at a later date.

    Another great news for the fans is that the ticket prices have been reduced! The Main Grandstand tickets dropped from 180BD ($478) to 150BD ($400), and the University and Victory Grandstands down to 60BD ($160). Shaikh Salman was happy to reveal that until today they have sold double the amount of tickets they sold last year at this time.

    When asked whether the circuit will continue to hold night races after investing in a floodlight system, Shaikh Salman revealed the exciting news that they’re looking to remain as a night race on the F1 calendar. However, the upcoming testing sessions will remain during daytime. This will totally change the experience of watching F1 in Bahrain. Today the 5th of Feb., 2014 is also the last day to benefit from the Early Bird Discount offering up to 20% discount on the GP tickets. This is a race that one should definitely not miss! So if you haven’t already gotten your tickets, hurry up and benefit from the great prices!

    -LAK

    Here are the first glimpses of the lit Sakhir Circuit:

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/47930768@N04/12321006553/
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/47930768@N04/12321026023/
    IMG_8059

    #246433
    BasCB
    Participant

    While I have my reservations about having a race in Bahrain, I think that for a location like this, where daytime heat is too much to have a relaxing time and also with Sunday being a normal weekday it makes great sense to host the event in the evening when it will be more accessible for local people.

    #255219
    Alex green
    Participant

    Still just me then?

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