12 to 14 March 2010
One of the most interesting destinations on the Formula 1 calendar, Bahrain’s imposing desert backdrop significantly influences track conditions and car set-up over the Grand Prix weekend at Sakhir. Regional winds intermittently blow desert sands onto the 5.412km circuit which inevitably pose certain challenges for all but the leading driver as they pursue their counterparts and their cars are blasted with air infused with damaging sand particles.

The sandy conditions therefore dictate the need for heavy duty air filters to prevent the air cooling inlets becoming blocked. An essential requirement, but one which mustn’t compromise aerodynamic efficiency.

Track Map: Click to enlarge

Grip levels are another casualty of the sand and can be considerably reduced when it settles on the track making all but the racing line dangerously slippery.

The track is a complex mix of 15 slow and medium speed corners connected by three high speed straights, the fastest of which will see the cars peak at 320kph at the end of the pit straight going into turn one. With the lowest cornering speed registered at just above 100kph at Sakhir’s turn five, and taken in first gear, the number of extreme braking events is high so brake preservation is paramount.

Due to the long, high speed stretches, each lap will demand a full throttle percentage of 62%; combined with the braking, cooling and sand variables, engine reliability will be a considerable factor in the race’s outcome. A circuit built to house 50,000 spectators, the fourth race of the season will undoubtedly deliver another exciting Formula One Grand Prix.

2009 Bahrain GP Images

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Previous Results:

	Year	Circuit	Date	Driver	Team	Laps
6	2009	Bahrain International Circuit	26 April	1 Jenson Button 2 Sebastian Vettel 3 Jarno Trulli	Brawn Red Bull Toyota	57 57 57
5	2008	Bahrain International Circuit	6 April	1 Felipe Massa 2 Kimi Räikkönen 3 Robert Kubica	Ferrari Ferrari BMW Sauber	57 57 57
4	2007	Bahrain International Circuit	15 April	1 Felipe Massa 2 Lewis Hamilton 3 Kimi Räikkönen	Ferrari McLaren Ferrari	57 57 57
3	2006	Bahrain International Circuit	12 March	1 Fernando Alonso 2 Michael Schumacher 3 Kimi Räikkönen	Renault Ferrari McLaren	57 57 57
2	2005	Bahrain International Circuit	3 April	1 Fernando Alonso 2 Jarno Trulli 3 Kimi Räikkönen	Renault Toyota McLaren	57 57 57
1	2004	Bahrain International Circuit	4 April	1 Michael Schumacher 2 Rubens Barrichello 3 Jenson Button	Ferrari Ferrari BAR	57 57 57

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