Formula One records set to tumble at second-leg of Bahrain Grand Prix

Formula One is expected to see its quickest ever qualifying lap – and quickest ever lap during a race – after it was announced the second Bahrain Grand Prix this season will be held on it’s outer track. 

Just as has already been agreed with Silverstone and the Austrian edition, Bahrain will hold two races at the Sakhir circuit in the country’s capital –  Manama.  

However, it has been confirmed that the second eidition in Bahrain – scheduled for the weekend over December 4-6 – will be held on the circuit’s ‘outer track’, described as shorter and ‘super-quick’. 

The second leg of the Bahrain Grand Prix will take place on the Sakhir circuit’s outer track

As a result, records are expected to fall, with experts prediciting qualifying laps under 55 seconds, and quickest laps during the race to come under the 60-second mark. 

The track has just 11 corners, as opposed to the 15 on the main track, where a time of 1:27.866 earned pole last season.  

Speaking about the decision, F1 managing director Ross Brawn said: ”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.’

‘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.’ 

Lewis Hamilton triumphed during last season’s Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sakhir circuit