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Ultimate Guide to Bahrain F1 Grand Prix

The Bahrain Grand Prix is a Formula 1 motor race organised every year in Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, offering a thrilling experience. Formula One World Championship race, its official name is Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix and was first held in 2004 in the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, which is around 30 km southwest of Manama, the capital of Bahrain.

Its thrilling motor race at nighttime is a spectacular sight to see, motor race enthusiasts from around the world specially visit Bahrain to watch the F1 race.

Watching the F1 race live for the first time, it is a thrill itself, revving motors, blinding lights, and enthusiasts fans is a sight to be captivated. But to be a part of this thrilling experience, you must prepare in advance.

Planning Your Trip for the F1 Race? How to Prepare

If you want to watch the thrilling F1 race, then you should prepare in advance, from securing your tickets to booking your stay and getting hold of the visa.

Tickets for the F1 race: Where to Purchase?

The Formula One World Championship race or Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is held annually every year in April at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir. And to watch the race you have to purchase the tickets first, but where?

Here is the list of sources from where you can purchase the tickets:

Grandstand ticket options: Book the right view to watch the Race

To purchase the F1 race tickets, you can visit any one of the websites mentioned above and confirm your seat. But there are many seat options available to choose from, so no need to get confused. Most websites offer grandstand ticket options (different ticket seat options), each seat with a unique view, select the seat from where you think offers the best views of the race.

Main Grandstand: This grandstand offers good views of the pre-race build-up, pit stops, and podium ceremonies and the seating area/ grandstand is located in the front of the start and finish line and pit lane.

Turn 1 Grandstand: This grandstand offers stunning views of the cars braking hard into turn 1, also known as the overtaking zone of lap 1 battle. The seating area is located on the outside of the first corner at the right hand of the main straight, after the start/finish straight.

Beyon Grandstand: This grandstand is located in the infield section, and offers stunning views of the cars turning, especially around turns 7 to 10.

University Grandstand: This grandstand is shaded and covered and is located just before Turn 4 at the second DRS zone.

Victory Grandstand: This grandstand is located before the last turn, near the finish line, you will enjoy watching the post race celebrations.

Tickets & Package options available for F1 race

3-day tickets: In the Bahrain Grand Prix F1 race, there is a 3-day package, in which you will have confirmed tickets for three (3) consecutive days to watch the race, i.e. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Hospitality Packages: In this package, along with the premium seating facility to watch the Bahrain Grand Prix F1 race, it includes luxury dining, and live entertainment.

What about the prices of the F1 race tickets?

The prices of the F1 race tickets vary on various factors like:

  • Type of grandstands selected
  • Package type
  • Amenities included
  • Weather condition
  • Race days

Want to get the best seats/ grandstands: Tips to Follow

If you want to watch the F1 Race, you must book your tickets in advance, as booking at the last minute might be difficult to get confirmation. Here are some tips to booking your ticket for F1 race and choosing the seat of your choice:

 

Early Booking: Book your F1 race tickets in advance, particularly if you want to watch the race from the grandstands of your choice or want to opt for F1 tickets packages that come with exclusive amenities.

Seat Positioning: There are different seat positioning available around the stadium, you can choose the grandstand (seat option) from where you want to watch. Whether you want to sit near the start/finish line, turn 1, Turn 7-10 and so on.

Authorized Sellers: To avoid being scammed for paying hefty amounts for fake tickets, it is suggested to buy your F1 race tickets from official sources or approved resellers.

Search for Packages: If you want to have an all-inclusive experience, then opt for packages, which includes tickets, accommodation, all the amenities, and transportation.

Visa Requirements for the Bahrain F1 race: What type of visa do you need?

Travelers from eVisa eligible countries can visit Bahrain to watch the F1 race by simply applying for the Bahrain F1 eVisa. However, GCC nationals are lucky they do not need a visa to visit Bahrain to watch the F1 race.

Those visitors who have purchased the F1 race tickets during the time-duration of the race, they need to apply for the Bahrain Formula 1 eVisa. With this F1 eVisa, visitors will be able to enjoy a hassle-free entry and stay for a duration of 14 days.

What is the process for the Bahrain F1 eVisa Application?

In order to apply for the Bahrain Formula 1 eVisa, there are certain steps that you must follow to fill the form and successfully submit it.

Step 1: Visit the Bahrain e-visa Application site to apply for the Bahrain Formula 1 e-visa

Step 2: Click on the Apply button to fill the Bahrain e-visa form

Step 3: Land on the Bahrain eVisa application form.

Step 4: Fill the basic details asked

Step 5: Choose the type of eVisa. Since you are visiting for an F1 race, select F1 eVisa.

Step 6: Upload the required scanned documents

Step 7: Pay the F1 eVisa application fees and submit it

Step 8: Wait for processing, time taken is 3-5 working days

Step 9: Receive the approved F1 eVisa via your mail ID.

Step 10: Prepare your travel to Bahrain for watching the F1 race.

On arriving at the airport, check out the F1 lanes at immigration, show your valid passport and approved F1 eVisa.

Documents for F1 eVisa Application: What is the list?

To fill the Bahrain F1 eVisa application form, there are some important documents that you must gather first to apply, here is the list below:

Valid passport: F1 race enthusiasts must have a valid passport, which should be from one of the Bahrain eVisa eligible list countries. It must have a minimum duration/ validity of 6-months (arrival to return) and blank pages for visa stamps.

Return ticket: Must hold a confirmed onward ticket within the stay period offered.

Accommodation: Confirmed hotel bookings

Funds in your account: Proof that you have money with a minimum balance of $1,000 USD.

Want to Apply for the Bahrain Formula 1 eVisa? Why not check your eligibility first, whether you belong to a visa waiver country or not, if you don't, you have to apply for a traditional Bahrain visa.

Getting Around Bahrain: Related Information

Timezone: Bahrain does not observe daylight (meaning time stays the same throughput the year), it observes the Arabian Standard Time zone (UTC-3)

Water Safety: Drinking tap water might not be safe in Bahrain, it is recommended to drink bottled water found at the markets, hotels, and convenience stores.

Driving in Bahrain: You will need the International Driving Permit (IDP), if you have plans to hire a car to drive around the country. Here the driver's seat is on the right-hand side, and driving is smooth, all you have to do is follow the road signs written in both Arabic and English.

Emergency Services: In case of a sudden emergency, you can call 999, and you will be able to reach the ambulance service, police, or fire department.

Power Sockets and Adapters: The power sockets here are Type G, but still you can get your adapter, if your gadget needs some other power socket.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing: There are taxis and cab service available to travel from Manama to Bahrain International Circuit and the airport.

Public Transport: Public buses are available to reach the Grand Prix race circuit, the route comprises the airport to Manama, and then the race circuit. Simply get on the A2 bus which covers these destinations.

Currency in Bahrain: It is Bahraini Dinar, and currency exchange options are available in the airport, and authorised money exchange office.

Accommodation: Where to book your stay?

Bahrain has some of the best hotels and stays in the world, you can choose from Luxury hotels to affordable ones.

In Manama: You can book your hotel in the capital of Bahrain, i.e. Manama has many luxury hotels with pools, chic room interiors, and fine cuisine.

Near F1 race track: You can also book your stay in the housing options available near the F1 race track. Some of the popular ones are Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq and Raffles Al Areen Palace, they have lavish rooms, spa facilities and restaurants with great food.

It is suggested to book your stay in advance because as the dates for the F1 race event nears, the rooms almost get full by the time you make a booking.

Visiting Bahrain for the F1 Race: What to Pack?

In the month of April the temperature is around 30°C (86°F), to keep yourself cool you are suggested to pack light and loose clothes and carry your sunscreen lotion and hat to avoid the sunrays.

Wear comfortable shoes to walk around and keep your body hydrated, always carry a refillable water bottle with you. While watching the race, you might feel irritated by the sound of the speeding racer cars, you can wear earplugs.

While visiting Bahrain or any international destination it is important that you respect the local customs of the country, here in Bahrain, it is important to dress modestly, and wear covered clothes.

At night it is cold in Bahrain, so carry a light jacket. In the daytime to keep yourself cool you can pack portable fans and wear cooling clothes.

Other essentials to pack for the journey include power bank for your devices, passport, eVisa, your F1 ticket and other travel papers.

What to eat in Bahrain? Food options Available

Bahrain is known for its delicious local cuisines, visitors can try the traditional samboosa, machboos (accompanied with meat and spiced rice)  and luqaimat (sweet dumplings). At the Bahrain International Circuit, there are food and drinks options available as well, so that you don't get hungry while watching the race. You can have international cuisines, fast-food, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks.

Finally the Day has Arrived: Race Weekend Experience

What to expect? Get ready to enjoy the views of the speeding racer cars, the thrill and the excitement. Apart from the race, the ambience of the Grand Prix circuit is simply lively with driver appearances, interactive simulations, F1 souvenir stalls, and  live music.

The race begins with a practice on the first day of the weekend, the qualifying day is on Saturday, and Sunday for the feature race. The race takes place accordingly as planned in the schedule following strict security protocols.

You must arrive early, if you want to enjoy walking through the fan areas, visit merchandise booths, and food courts to buy food.

Since the weather is mostly warm, and with the thundering engines, it becomes warmer, so you are suggested to wear light and loose clothes, and earplugs.

The race is followed after singing of the national anthem and drivers interviews, during such moments you are expected to keep quiet.

Check your eligibility for Bahrain e-Visa and apply e-Visa 7 (seven) days before your scheduled trip.

 
Apply for Bahrain e-Visa