WILLIAMS RACE DAY HOSPITALITY: Bahrain F1 GP 2024
On 2nd March 2024 we were back at the Williams Experience Centre for the first race of the 2024 Formula One season. This week was for the Bahrain F1 GP Race Day Hospitality. The 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix was the first race of the new season from Thursday February 29th to Saturday March 2nd.
Bahrain International Circuit (also known as “Sakhir”) was designed by Hermann Tilke and built in just 16 months at an estimated cost of $150m USD. The tarmac of the track is made from imported graywacke aggregate from Shropshire, England. The first race in 2004 was won in dominant fashion by Michael Schumacher in the Ferrari F2004.
The circuit has a variety of layouts for different events. Formula 1 has raced on three variations of the circuit, with all but one Bahrain Grand Prix taking place on the Grand Prix Circuit layout of the track. For 2010, organisers decided to use the ‘endurance’ layout of the circuit to celebrate Formula 1’s diamond anniversary.
CLICK HERE for Scalextric hire and branding options for your event.
The lengthened track was met with negative reaction from the drivers and was never used again in F1. In 2020, the Sakhir Grand Prix was held on the shorter, and faster, Outer Circuit. The Bahrain Grand Prix was first held under floodlights in 2014 partly to provide a better spectacle and more comfortable conditions for spectators, but also to give the race a better time slot with important TV audiences in Europe. The track has a seating capacity for 45,000 spectators, including 10,500 in the main pit straight grandstand. The circuit also features a distinctive 8-storey VIP tower. According to the circuit’s website, there are over 4700 staff working at the circuit on Grand Prix weekend, including 1800 police & security staff, 600 track marshals and 25 doctors
In 2020, Bahrain International Circuit hosted two rounds of the championship in order to boost the number of races in a season which had been heavily impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The Bahrain Grand Prix, in which Romain Grosjean made headline news with a miraculous escape from an horrific crash, was held at the end of November.
One week later, the Sakhir Grand Prix took place, with Sergio Perez recording his maiden win. The second race was also notable for the absence of Lewis Hamilton, who had tested positive for coronavirus. George Russell impressed as he took Hamilton’s seat, and was in contention for the win until a late race puncture. Both the Bahrain and Sakhir Grands Prix were held behind closed doors, though local health workers were invited to spectate in the grandstands in recognition of their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Bahrain Grand Prix moved to the season-opening slot in 2021 – a position which it occupied again in 2022. In February 2022, race organisers signed a contract extension, keeping Bahrain International Circuit on the Formula 1 calendar until at least 2036. The 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix attracted a record race day crowd for the event, with 98,000 in attendance over the three-day weekend.
*** CLICK HERE for Scalextric hire and branding options for your event ***
Williams Racing welcomes you to enjoy a Grand Prix Race Day at the Williams Experience Centre.
The day includes a review of qualifying with an exclusive live link up to one of the drivers, live control room link up, VIP guest appearance with interview, refreshments and lunch followed by the live race screening. There is also the opportunity to browse the Williams Grand Prix Collection with a tour guide, as well as testing your speed on our 20 x F1-style driving simulators, our Super-Size Scalextric Track and other activities on the day.
WHAT’S INCLUDED DURING ‘RACE DAY HOSPITALITY’:
ACTIVITIES
- Unlimited use of the Esports lounge, with 20 state of the art simulators
- Our Think Scalextric Bespoke Super-Size Scalextric Track (click the link for more info about our track)
- Batak
- Museum Tour
- In addition you will have the opportunity to browse our shop with exclusive merchandise and 20% off
FOOD
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Unlimited soft drinks
Why not book up on a ‘Race Day Hospitality Experience’ at the Williams Racing Experience Centre. For info visit: williamsf1.com/experience-centre.
LEARN MORE (click below to open pdf)
Below is a video of the Giant Williams Racing Bespoke Track from our YouTube channel.