Formula 1 opts for Bahrain 'oval' layout for second race!

40

Formula 1 has announced that it will use Bahrain's outer track layout for its December 6 Sakhir Grand Prix round at the venue.

After a detailed review of its options in Bahrain, F1 has opted for the fast 3.543km circuit that features 11 corners and which has never been used for an International event.

The race will also take place under the floodlights while Bahrain's first round of racing the week before is scheduled earlier in the day.

Portimao and Imola aim to follow Sochi by allowing in fans

The novel layout, which holds a Grade 1 FIA licence and loosely resembles an oval, will host an 87-lap race, the most of any event this year due to the track's short distance.

"We are excited to announce the outer circuit as the format for the Sakhir Grand Prix and want to thank our partners at the Bahrain International Circuit for their continued support," said F1 director of motorsport Ross Brawn.

"We assessed a number of options for the alternative circuit layout and concluded the outer circuit will provide the best alternative and will provide a new challenge for all the teams and entertain all our fans with high speeds and fast lap times."

©Formula1

Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of Bahrain International Circuit, added: "We thank Formula 1 for all their work in analysing options for our second race and it's a great testament to our venue that we will be able to hold what is likely to be very contrasting races on consecutive weekends.

"Our outer track has never been used for international competitive racing, so will be a new and exciting challenge for all participants."

Simulations are currently predicting laps times below 55 seconds! That compares with this year's shortest lap time of 1m02.939s achieved by Valtteri Bottas in qualifying in Austria earlier this summer.

Sakhir's outer circuit characteristics promises some close qualifying times and a thrilling tight race on Sunday, with traffic projected to play a crucial role in proceedings.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.