Bahrain 2014

Going to the Bahrain GP with a friend (assuming it goes ahead) and wondering if anyone else has been or is going and has any tips on where to stay/what to do/best stand to sit in etc. The internet seems fairly devoid of any tips really! Thanks, Paul

I'd get a ticket for the Batelco grandstand to see the cars go through Turns 8, 10 and 11 (Turn 9 is hidden behind rocks). Turn 8 is the slowest corner and you can see above the fence, so that's good for photo opportunities.

 

If budget is an issue, go for University 1 for views for Turns 1-3 and Turn 9.

 

One thing to note is that the Gulf Air Club tent (located behind the main grandstand) is the only place with air con for non-hospitality spectators. I believe it's also the only place that serves beer. It can only be bought in conjunction with a race ticket.

 

A family friend of mine who works in F1 has never reported any personal safety issues in Bahrain. He stayed at the Novotel Al Dana Resort in Manama if this is of any help.

There are plenty of hotels for all budgets in Bahrain.  There are a lot in an area called Juffair, which is where the majority of the nightlife is located.  Adliya has some nice restaurants.

 

Generally all the hotels have a band on every night.  

 

Bahrain is perfectly safe.  Im from the UK working in KSA and living in Bahrain.  There is no trouble that you would notice here, other than a larger than average police presence or if you go looking for it.

Just to resurrect this old thread.

Might consider this race in 2016 as something a little different.

Did I read that there are open driver autograph sessions on the Friday?

How busy are grandstands? Often look empty on TV. Can you move freely during fp days?

Thanks

It looked a bit busier this year in the main and the turn 1 grandstand but I suspect it's nowhere near the attendance of Silverstone.

 

Also, I never heard there were roaming grandstand tickets at Bahrain, so check with their customer service people. They were very responsive to my queries.

I think this is one I might look at for 2016. Ticket prices seem very reasonable and the time of year suits. It'll ultimately come down to flight prices.

You usually can move in the same grandstand mainly because many seats are empty during practice sessions, during  races you will find most seats packed during the start and end only.

I have been to almost all grandstands ( victory , university , main , turn one , paddock ) and I would actually recommend Turn 1 as you see a lot of the action in turn 1  and you can get them fairly cheap on the black market if that helps.

Any recommendations for grandstands for photography?  ie. ability to see over the fencing.

 

Thanks.

Might pump this one up for 2018

I am going in 2018 , suggestion for budget hotels and Transportation ?
I am worried about transportation being expensive