Get ready for the Bahrain Grand Prix with our comprehensive race prep guide, from the F1 schedule to travel and accommodation
Welcome to the race preparations for the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix. We’re putting all the information at your fingertips to help you make the most of your live motorsport experience. If you haven’t bought your tickets yet, head over to our Bahrain Grand Prix page and buy yours now.
Bahrain F1 Grand Prix Weekend Schedule
This year, the Bahrain Grand Prix celebrates its 20th anniversary. Yes, it’s been that long! This Saturday night race is the first on the 2024 F1 calendar. It’s also one of the most spectacular and most affordable. Hearing the F1 cars roaring through the Arabian Nights is a truly spine-chilling experience.
Here’s what the schedule for the first F1 weekend of 2024 will look like…
Thursday 29th February 09:45 Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East first practice session 10:55 Formula 3 practice session 12:05 Formula 2 practice session 14:30 Formula 1 first practice session 16:00 Formula 3 qualifying session 16:55 Formula 2 qualifying session 18:00 Formula 12th practice session 19:30 Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East second practice session Friday 1st March 12:05 Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East qualifying session 13:15 Formula 3 sprint race 15:30 Formula13th Practice Session17:15Formula 2 Sprint Race19:00Formula 1 Qualifying Session20:45Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East Race 1Saturday 2nd March12:00Formula 3 Feature Race13:30Formula 2 Feature Race15:00Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East Race 218:00Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix*All times in local time
Bahrain Grand Prix support race
The first round of the all-new season will see both F2 and F3 kick off alongside the main event. 2023 F3 champion Gabriel Bortoreto (BRA) will move up to F2 to race for British team Virtuosi Racing, while Théo Pourchere (FRA) will not return to defend his F2 title but will remain as reserve driver for Sauber F1.
Bahrain will host further events as support races, including sprint races on Friday afternoon in both F2 and F3 – times can be seen in the timetable above.
Gabriele Bortoreto to stand on the podium at the 2023 Melbourne F3 Grand Prix
As well as supporting the races, there’s entertainment throughout the weekend, with Nickelodeon Rocks, High Impressions, a Ferris Wheel and plenty of other family-friendly attractions.
The party continues after the race on Saturday night, with world-renowned artist Diplo closing out the night with a DJ set.
The full entertainment schedule can be found on the Bahrain International Circuit website.
Bahrain International Circuit Track Map
Use our handy track maps to plan your trip as best as possible, and download or screenshot images to keep with you throughout the Grand Prix weekend.
Where’s the best place to sit at the Bahrain Grand Prix?
When planning a trip to a Formula 1 Grand Prix it’s important to get your priorities straight, so use the map above to help you plan your trip.
First, you’ll need to know your budget: the Bahrain Grand Prix is one of the most wallet-friendly races in the region, so for £368 you could get the best views in the main grandstand, where you’ll be able to see the start/finish line, the podium and the cars speeding down the straight.
If budget is your main concern, there are options for getting a good view of the race: the University and Victory Grandstands are located at either end of the main straight, and weekend admission prices start from £141.
There may be other things to consider: Is it important to be within quick distance of a concert venue after a day at the racetrack? Are you anxious to watch the awards ceremony from a good view of the podium? Do you have to care for children or other race fans who might need to make a quick getaway?
These are all questions to consider before purchasing your Grand Prix tickets.
Access to the Bahrain Grand Prix course
There are direct flights to Bahrain from many major European cities, including London and Paris, with the journey time being around six hours. These flights are very reasonably priced if you book in advance, and even better if you can tolerate a layover.
There are no direct flights from the US to Bahrain, but most Americans visiting the Arab island nation opt to fly to Abu Dhabi or Dubai and then take a short flight to Bahrain, including fans traveling from Australia.
Many hotels offer a free shuttle service to and from the airport, so it’s worth checking this out when booking your stay. Once you arrive on the island, taxis are the best way to get around. They are reasonably priced, air-conditioned, famously clean and often offer free Wi-Fi. Uber also operates in Bahrain.
Buses are a cheaper option but don’t get as far as the circuit – the A2 bus gets you close, running from the airport via the capital, Manama, to within 3km of the circuit.
A complimentary shuttle bus operates between the Bahrain International Circuit and the following hotels:
Al Seef (The Ritz Carlton Bahrain, Nordic Palace & Spa Seef, Ibis Seef Manama) Al Juffair (Gulf Hotel, The K Hotel, The Olive Hotel) Diplomatic Area (InterContinental Regency Bahrain, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, Ibis Styles Manama) Diplomatic Area) Sakhir: Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa
If you’re not staying at one of these hotels, you may still be able to avail the service by presenting your F1 ticket.
Bahrain International Circuit Track Statistics
Bahrain International CircuitTrack Statistics1st Grand Prix 2004Lap length5.412 kmLap record1:31.447 – Pedro de la Rosa (2005)Laps57Race distance308.238 kmTurns16
Bahrain Grand Prix accommodation
In Bahrain, as in much of the Middle East, hotels are the main form of accommodation – AirBnb and rented apartments are less popular in the region – but international travellers have plenty of options.
This tiny country’s capital is Manama, where there are plenty of affordable hotel options. With the airport and the circuit on either side of the city, its central location gives race fans easy access to either – and it’s also where you’ll find the highest concentration of hotels.
It’s worth remembering that many hotels offer a free shuttle to the airport – check before you book.
A free shuttle bus will also run between the circuit and some of Bahrain’s accommodation options (listed above) during race week, so it might be worth paying a little extra to avoid having to worry about taxis all weekend.
Important Information
Emergency
If an emergency occurs during your trip, please call the following numbers:
999
Good to know
The local currency is the Bahraini Dinar (BHD). The exchange rate is 0.47 BHD per GBP. All goods and services are paid for in local currency.
The official language is Arabic, but most people speak English fluently.
Prohibited Items at the Bahrain International Circuit (Terms of Use, Article 9)
customer service
If you require any assistance during the race weekend, please feel free to contact our customer service team.
Phone: 0208 970 7988
Email: help@motorsporttickets.com
FAQ
If you have any further questions or would like more information, please visit our FAQ section.
