Overview

The Bahrain Grand Prix was the first Formula One Grand Prix to be held in the Middle East. It first took place at the Bahrain International Circuit on 4 April 2004.

The building of the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir was started in 2002 and is now the center of motor sport in the Persian Gulf. The race is held over 49 laps and the Circuit length is 6.299 km (3.914 mi).

One of the characteristics of the course are the giant run-off areas, which have been criticised for not punishing drivers who stray off the track, although this has made Bahrain one of the safest tracks in the world, and tends to prevent sand getting on the track.

Recent Winners

2010 - Fernando Alonso - Renault
2009 - Jenson Button - Brawn-Mercedes
2008 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari
2007 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari
2006 - Fernando Alonso - Renault
2005 - Fernando Alonso - Renault
2004 - Michael Schumacher - Ferrari

Dates

The 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix will be the first race of the season 11th - 13th March 2011