F1 will race on Bahrain’s Outer circuit for Sakhir GP

Formula 1 has announced that it will use the Outer Track of the Bahrain International Circuit for the Sakhir Grand Prix in December.

The remainder of a 17-round 2020 calendar was formalised ahead of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, with Turkey returning for the first time since 2011, before the season concludes in the Middle East with a double-header in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi finale on December 13.

In a way to distinguish the second of back-to-back races in Bahrain, F1 had been considering using an alternative layout of the Bahrain International Circuit.

On Friday in Belgium it was confirmed that F1 will race on the Outer Track for the Sakhir Grand Prix on 4-6 December.

At just 3.543kms in length, F1’s simulations predict that qualifying laps will dip below the 55-second mark, with sub-minute race laps also expected during the 87-lap event.

“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’s managing director of motorsport’s 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.”

Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, CEO of the 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.”