Sprint In Bahrain: Is It Available?

Bahrain has hosted several Formula 1 races, with the Bahrain International Circuit serving as the venue. The country has expressed interest in holding a sprint race on the Outer Circuit, a shorter layout than the traditional Grand Prix circuit. While this has not been confirmed, it is believed that the sprint races will be standalone events, not affecting the grid for the main Grand Prix. The Outer Circuit was previously used for the Sakhir Grand Prix in 2020, which was added to fill out the calendar during the pandemic.

Bahrain F1 sprint race on the Outer Loop layout

The Bahrain International Circuit is a top-class racing circuit located in the middle of sand dunes in near-desert conditions. The track is best known for hosting the first Formula One event in the Middle East.

In 2020, Bahrain hosted two Grands Prix on consecutive weekends as part of the coronavirus-affected schedule and decided to host them on different layouts. The first event used the traditional Grand Prix layout, while the second, known as the Sakhir Grand Prix, used the shorter Outer Loop layout. This delivered a fast and furious race, with Sergio Perez claiming his maiden F1 win.

The Outer Loop layout is approximately 3.5km long and provides lap times of under 55 seconds in qualifying, according to F1's simulations. It was initially conceived as the second phase of a three-phase construction plan for the circuit, with the 'inner' circuit coming first, followed by the final phase, which included the full Grand Prix circuit and associated facilities.

Following the success of the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix, there was speculation that Bahrain could hold an F1 sprint race on the Outer Loop layout in 2022. The sprint race format, introduced in 2021, was deemed a success by F1, and they were looking to run sprints at six venues in 2022. Bahrain was indicated as one of the preferred tracks for these sprints.

The plan for the 2022 Bahrain sprint race was to hold practice and qualifying on the full grand prix circuit on Friday, switch to the Outer Loop configuration on Saturday, and then host the grand prix back on the full track on Sunday. This idea was supported by Salman Bin Isa Al-Khalifa, the executive director of the Bahrain International Circuit, who stated that they would be open to the prospect and could make it work.

However, it is important to note that the Outer Loop layout was not expected to replace the normal Grand Prix layout as the regular F1 track in Bahrain. While the Outer Loop provided excitement and shorter lap times, the regular grand prix circuit was prioritized due to its ability to accommodate more fans and its technical aspects.

Bahrain F1 sprint race on the Outer Circuit

The Bahrain International Circuit is a 5.412 km (3.363-mile) motorsport venue that opened in 2004. It is located in the middle of sand dunes in near-desert conditions in the Sakhir area in the centre of Bahrain's main island. The circuit was designed by German architect Hermann Tilke and has multiple layouts, including the "Outer Circuit", which is 3.543 km (2.202 miles) long and was used for the Sakhir Grand Prix in 2020.

In 2022, there was a possibility that Bahrain could hold an F1 sprint race on the Outer Circuit. Salman Bin Isa Al-Khalifa, executive director of the Bahrain International Circuit, expressed support for the idea, stating that it was feasible and that they would accommodate whatever F1 wanted. He noted that in 2020, the circuit successfully hosted two races, including the Outer Circuit for the Sakhir Grand Prix. However, he also mentioned that there would likely be questions and discussions with the teams about how to manage racing on one track for the sprint and then another for the main Grand Prix.

The plan for the 2022 F1 sprint race in Bahrain was to have practice and qualifying on Friday on the full Grand Prix circuit, switch to the Outer Circuit for the sprint race on Saturday, and then conclude with the Grand Prix on the full circuit on Sunday. This would add variety and excitement to the race weekend, providing a unique challenge for the drivers and teams.

The Outer Circuit was previously used for the Sakhir Grand Prix in 2020, which was won by Sergio Perez for Racing Point. This race is memorable for George Russell, who stood in for Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes due to COVID-19. Russell led the race but suffered a pit-lane penalty and a puncture, denying him the victory.

While the idea of an F1 sprint race on the Outer Circuit in Bahrain was just a consideration at the time, it demonstrates the circuit's versatility and willingness to experiment. The final decision on the format and location of sprint races rests with Formula 1, and they are always looking to spice up the shorter races to make them more exciting for fans.

Bahrain F1 sprint race qualifying sessions

The Bahrain International Circuit has hosted the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix several times, including in 2022, 2023, and 2024. The 2022 race was the first of six sprint races during the season, with the others held in Baku, The Red Bull Ring, Spa, Qatar, Austin, and Sao Paulo.

Bahrain was chosen as one of the venues for the sprint race format because it is often tipped as the ideal place for a sprint race. However, teams and drivers are unlikely to agree to just one 60-minute practice before the first meaningful session of the season.

The Bahrain International Circuit has a 5.412-kilometre track in Sakhir. The race usually takes place over 57 laps, but in 2022, the sprint races were 100km. The sprint races may also be standalone events, meaning that while they count for points, they do not set the grid for the main grand prix on Sunday.

The Bahrain circuit bosses are open to the prospect of hosting a sprint race. In 2020, the outer track was used for the Sakhir Grand Prix, which was a hit and delivered excitement and drama. The plan for the 2022 sprint race was to hold practice and qualifying on Friday on the full grand prix circuit, switch to the outer loop configuration for Saturday’s running, and then host the grand prix on the full track again on Sunday.

Bahrain F1 sprint race points system

Bahrain has been a popular choice to hold F1 sprint races. The country has previously expressed its support for holding sprint races, and has the infrastructure in place to do so.

The F1 points system has undergone multiple changes since its inception. The current points system for F1 sprint races sees the winner receive 8 points, with 8th place taking home 1 point. This is a slight change from the 2021 season, where only the top 3 could score points, and the winner received 3 points.

In the 2024 season, there will be six sprint races, with the first realistic opportunity for a sprint race weekend being in Baku. The Bahrain sprint race is expected to be one of these six.

The points awarded in sprint races are less than those awarded in Grand Prix races. In a Grand Prix, the winner receives 25 points, with second place receiving 18, and this scales down to 1 point for 10th place.

The sprint race points system is as follows:

1st = 8 points

2nd = 7 points

3rd = 6 points

4th = 5 points

5th = 4 points

6th = 3 points

7th = 2 points

8th = 1 point

Bahrain F1 sprint race schedule

The Bahrain F1 sprint race schedule has evolved over the years, with the country hosting the season opener for the second consecutive year in 2022. Here is a breakdown of the Bahrain F1 sprint race schedule for different years:

2022 Bahrain F1 Sprint Race Schedule:

Bahrain was expected to be one of six weekends that used the Sprint format in 2022, with the short Outer Circuit as a possible venue. The schedule for the Bahrain F1 sprint race weekend typically includes practice sessions, qualifying, and the sprint race itself, followed by the Grand Prix on Sunday. The Outer Circuit, known for Sergio Perez's first win, adds excitement with its 11-turn, high-speed layout.

2023 Bahrain F1 Sprint Race Schedule:

The 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix took place over 57 laps of the 5.412-kilometre Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir on Sunday, March 5. The full weekend schedule included various practice and qualifying sessions, support races, press conferences, and special events.

2024 Bahrain F1 Sprint Race Schedule:

The 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix will celebrate its 20th anniversary and be the first race of the Formula 1 calendar. The race will take place on Saturday night, with support races from Formula 2 and Formula 3, including sprint races on Friday afternoon. The Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East will also feature in the lead-up to the main event.

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