Prequalification begins for F1 circuit

11 January 2002

The Ministry of Public Works & Agriculture has invited companies to apply for prequalification by 9 February for the contract to build a grand prix motor-racing circuit. The track, to be located on a site near Bahrain University in Sakhir, will be the region's first race circuit suitable for hosting formula one events.

The project calls for the construction of a main grandstand, pit and multi-purpose garages, media and medical centres, and a VIP reception tower and workshop. Works for the main 5.2-kilometre racetrack will require 210,000 square metres of asphalt surfacing and 68,401 square metres of concrete paving. The selected contractor will also build a 520,999-square-metre parking area.

The electrical and mechanical element of the project calls for the installation of 24 kilometres of cabling; 6 kilometres of high-tension cabling; 28 kilometres of fibre optic cable; 10 kilometres of earthing; 40 kilometres of plastic insulating cable; and 12 kilometres of telecommunications cable. Also within the scope of the tender is the installation of lap timing and public address systems, and closed-circuit television.

Total project costs are estimated at BD 30 million ($80 million). Germany's Tilke, which has designed tracks in Malaysia and Europe, has drawn up the designs for the circuit and main grandstand. The General Organisation for Sports & Youth expects to have a certificate of approval from the Federation Internationale de l'Automobilein place ready for the start of the 2004 formula one grand prix season (MEED 27:7:01).

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