Bahrain hosted its first ever race in 2004 on a circuit designed by Hermann Tilke. The track is one of a kind, as it is the first Formula 1 circuit to be built in the desert. It was also a groundbreaking event for the Middle-East, as this was the first Grand Prix in that area.

The contrast between vegetation and desert is a key feature of the circuit. Around the pit straight the track is surrounded by grass, but other than that you are racing in a dusty desert, which in itself causes problems, as a sandstorm blew across the track just hours before the start in 2004.

The track is typical Tilke, with long straights leading into slow hairpin corners, but nonetheless providing a variety of fast and slow sections. Overtaking is common here, especially going into the tight turn one where Ralf Schumacher and Takuma Sato collided in 2004, as well as Pedro De La Rosa's bonzai attempts in 2005.

2006 see's the circuit stage the opening race of the season, and both Ferrari and Honda clocked up miles in Sakhir during the winter, setting times comparable to last year. Whether or not there will be the same carnival atmosphere as in the traditional season opening event-Melbourne, remains to be seen.

Please remember to check back after every Grand Prix to read our in-depth race reports!

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