One of the most unique destinations on the calendar due to its location, the imposing desert backdrop significantly influences track conditions over the Grand Prix weekend at Sakhir. The blowing winds intermittently blast desert sands onto the circuit which inevitably pose certain challenges for all but the leading driver as they pursue their counterparts and their cars are faced with air infused with damaging sand particles. As such, grip levels are another casualty of the sand and are reduced when sand settles on the track making all but the racing line slippery, a problem that has only been made greater with the switch back to slick tyres, and which results in little overtaking.
The track is a complex mix of twenty-two slow and medium speed corners connected by three high speed straights, the fastest of which will see the cars peak at 303 km/h (188 mph) at the end of the pit straight going into turn one.
Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix
Top speed:
303 km/h (188 mph)
Average speed:
210 km/h (130 mph)
Time at full-throttle:
70%
Time under braking:
15%
Gear changes per lap:
50
Tyre compounds:
super soft/medium
Tyre wear:
medium
Brake demand:
high
Downforce level:
medium/high
Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix
The long straights are all followed by tight corners under hard braking down to first or second gear and Sakhir is one of the most demanding circuits on the calendar in terms of brake wear. Between turns 4 and 20, the corners follow each other in quick succession, which means the brakes never really have time to cool down - coupled with the heat, efficient brake ducts are required. Efficient cooling of the engine which spends a particularly high time at full throttle is equally problematic and is complicated by the ever present sand and dust which necessitates heavy duty air filters to prevent the blocking of air cooling inlets.
The very different characteristics of the layout test teams in terms of set-up which will be a compromise between good mechanical grip through the slower corners and stability through the faster ones with a similar compromises for the aerodynamics dictated by the long straights and the twisting in-field section.
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Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix
Key Points:
Turn 4 - Braking late at the end of a long straight into this right-handed hairpin turn provide the best overtaking opportunity although the track is very dusty off the racing line.
Turns 16 and 17 - A challenging off-camber left-hand bend with barely visible entry that requires heavy braking.
Turn 22 - Separating the two main straights it is easy to be caught out by changing wind strength and direction, losing time in the brief interruption to the high speed section.
