Bahrain heats up for Aussie V8s
Traveltalk’s Warwick Sinclair, got sideways on one of the world’s fastest motor racing tracks – the Bahrain International Circuit – in the lead up to the Aussie V8 invasion and discovered that the height of an Arabian Gulf summer is not the best time to test-drive an Aussie V8 supercar on one of the world’s quickest circuits.
The Holden V8 hurtled at over 200 kilometres per hour along the main straight of Bahrain’s International Circuit, braking heavily as the beast shuddered from its breakneck speeds for the tight right-hander at the end of main straight.
The renowned V8 supercar series can expect cooler trackside temperatures than the searing 45 degree days of August, when the roadshow hits Bahrain from 1-3 November.
It will be only the second time the multi-million dollar, high-octane Aussie sporting carnival has made an appearance in the region, and more than 550 Australians and New Zealanders will head to Bahrain as part of the 17-strong teams.
Cars and equipment will be airlifted from Australia in late October, and transported to the US$150 million Bahrain circuit, to serve as a curtain-raiser for the world Formula One calendar.
Bahrain International Circuit chief executive, Martin Whitaker, believes the Arabian Gulf audiences will find growing appeal in the V8 format.
“There’s no doubt Bahrainis, and most of the Arabian Gulf, are accustomed to Formula One. Schumacher, Alonso and Hamilton are household names, whereas Lowndes, Ingall and Kelly are virtually unknown,” he said.
“When the V8s first arrived in 2007, they were somewhat of a curiosity. Yet those who attended saw some incredibly close racing, and all the bump-and-grind that most motorsport enthusiasts want.
“So the V8s sold themselves in that regard and we are confident the crowds, and overall interest, in the 2007-08 round in November will be double that of last year.”
Whitaker said a major advantage of the Bahrain circuit was that the track lay-out can be changed.
“The complex allows for six different tracks. Last year, we felt our V8 circuit wasn’t as interesting as it could have been, in respect of turns and braking areas.
“We are now finalising a layout that will be much more exciting for drivers, spectators and the international television audience.”
Whitaker said Bahrain, like much of the Arabian Gulf, suffered from a ‘litany of misconceptions’, regarding security and appropriate behaviour.
“Bahrain is a very moderate society. You can drink alcohol, dress and behave as you would at home - and the streets, cafes and waterfront precincts are far safer than many parts of Europe, or indeed Australia,” he said.
“I have been in the Middle East for more than a decade and to be honest, when I return home to the United Kingdom, or travel to other countries, I am more security-conscious there than in Manama (the capital city).”
The V8 Supercar round will be held at Bahrain International Circuit from 1-3 November 2007.
For more information visit http://www.bahraingp.com.bh