The Bahrain International Circuit is a 5.412 km (3.363 mi) motorsport venue opened in 2004 and used for drag racing, Formula 2, and the annual Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix.
Accommodation:
Most of the "life" of the city in centred within and around its capital Manama, which is about a 40 minute drive from the circuit on Friday and Saturday. This is where most of the hotels are, and indeed most of the restaurants, bars, and activities. There are a few hotels closer to the circuit but I wouldn't really advise it. The Mercedes team stays at the Westin Bahrain City Centre.
Getting to the track:
Here is a good link on the subject. Though from my experience I really would heavily recommend renting a car to get around. If you do, be wary that Google Maps may not work perfectly as it is quite a small country. Furthermore some of the street names and numbers it gives you are useless. You might wanna take someone along to act as a "navigator" instead of relying on Google Maps' voice instructions.
Furthermore remember to leave Manama for the circuit possibly quite a few hours in advance in order to ensure you won't be caught out by the horrendous traffic jams and tight security on race day (and possibly qualifying, if you're only going to attend that as many others will also miss FP3)
Main GS (and possibly Oasis or T1?) ticket holders have parking right in front of there. The others will have to park somewhere else (this will be designated on your tickets and papers) and may have to take a bus from the parking lot as walking in the desert heat is not an option.
Seating:
No GA of any sort. There are 5 grandstands with normal stadium plastic seats. No roaming of any sort (even if the other grandstands are empty. You can however roam within the grandstand you're in as long as you aren't disrupting the other viewers)
Main (pit straight) [150 BHD]
Turn 1 (self-explanatory) [100 BHD]
Oasis (back straight) [120 BHD]
University grandstand (Lead-up to Turn 4, bit far away from the actual racing) [60 BHD]
Victory grandstand (Turn 14/15, overlooks pit straight) [60 BHD]
These all have their advantages and disadvantages.
The main grandstand overlooks the pitboxes and garages, as well as (obviously) the main straight and start/finish line which allows for exciting views of the drivers crossing the line for their qualifying laps or the race finish, and the sound of the engines roaring at race start. You also get views of the podium. I'd personally recommend one of the seats closer to the track itself, and section A to get the most out of this grandstand. This grandstand is where I personally sat.
The T1 grandstand provides good views of the action at T1 to T3 and a distant view of T4. At 100 BHD and providing a good view of the main straight and the first few turns this is a great option for a fairly limited budget
At 120 BHD, The Oasis complex is a bit more expensive apiece than the T1 grandstand but provides great views of most of the racing, with a vision range of approximately Turn 4 until turn 13, though it's closest to the back straight so those may be slightly far away. Nevertheless THIS is the grandstand that has the widest view of the circuit, and has a screen/screens opposite to supplement that.
The University grandstand provides plenty of time for you to wish you'd booked a slightly more expensive ticket for a better experience. It's a bit far away from the action and generally doesn't have a fantastic view or much of the action in sight. Only really recommended for locals who want to make this a yearly thing while on a budget.
The Victory grandstand is kind of the same but at least provides you views of the competitors crossing the line and of the podium.
Food:
Not much to note here. Bit overpriced and limited as expected. Long lines and fairly bog-standard "stadium snacks" and refreshments. Bring your own water - and bring lots of it - as well as possibly your own food if you don't want to spend too much.
Manama has a selection of good restaurants and bars. Consider checking Tripadvisor or asking a hotel concierge.
What to avoid:
Dehydration, especially in day sessions like Free Practices or support races.
Standing out in the open in parking lots. Wait in your car if you have to wait in a parking lot.
Misc:
There are parasols in the outside grass area and the grandstands are shaded, so there's generally not much need for sunscreen. It's advisable to have some on your person just in case.
Despite being a Muslim country, Bahrain is also a fairly relaxed one. As long as your clothing is something you'd wear on a day-to-day basis, no one will really take issue. Shorts are acceptable. Really most "Western" clothing is. Don't let stereotypes get in the way of truth. If you're desperate for re-affirmation, call or email circuit staff to ask beforehand
Those robes (national dress) will be surprisingly comfortable if you decide to try one.
Merch of all sorts is available but no cheaper than it is online. It's up to you to decide whether that's worth it.
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