SAKHIR

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Track length : 5.417 km

Number of laps : 57 (308.769 Km)

Spectator Capacity : ~50,000

Creation Date : 2004

Record Pole : Michael Schumacher - Ferrari - 1:30.139 (2004)

Fastest Lap : Michael Schumacher - Ferrari - 1:30.252 (2004)

1. Michael Schumacher - Ferrari

2. Rubens Barrichello - Ferrari

3. Jensen Button - BAR Honda

2004 - Michael Schumacher - Ferrari

Formula One travelled to the Middle East for the first time at the brand new circuit in Bahrain in 2004. The Bahrain International Circuit is a magnificent complex built expressly to host Formula One in the region.

The Circuit is located in Sakhir, which is around 30 kilometres from the country's Capital of Manama. Concerns over sand blowing onto the circuit proved to be wide of the mark as race organisers took time to ensure all lose material were firmly 'bonded' to the surface.

The inaugural event saw Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello dominate both in qualifying and in the race itself with Schumacher controlling the race to finish just 1.3 seconds ahead of his Brazilian team-mate. Jenson Button scored a solid third position albeit 25 seconds adrift of the dominant Ferrari squad.