Formula 1 set for sub-60 second lap as Bahrain outer circuit confirmed

Formula 1 has confirmed the second race in Bahrain this year will take place around the outer circuit at the Sakhir venue.

The opening Bahrain Grand Prix on November 27-29 will be staged on the usual 5.412km international track layout.

A week later the 3.543km outer track will be used for the Sakhir Grand Prix on December 4-6, with F1 determining it as "the most suitable option for the second of Bahrain's double-header races".

Via a statement, F1 added that the race "will be a full night race with both qualifying and the race taking place later in the evening" compared to the weekend previously.

The statement added: "The track has contrasting characteristics compared to the international track layout and will have the highest number of race laps at 87 and be the second shortest circuit in Formula 1.

"Formula 1 simulations predict qualifying lap times below 55 seconds and race laps below 60 seconds.

"The Bahrain International Circuit, in collaboration with The Bahrain Motor Federation and the FIA, will be working over the coming weeks to ensure all elements of the track are prepared and tested according to current standards for an F1 race."

Ross Brawn, managing director of motorsport, Formula 1 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.”

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