BIC launches new zone

The Bahrain International Circuit has officially launched its new Kart Zone facility.

It is located next to the circuit’s main entrance, right behind the towering main grandstand and is designed to give individuals, groups and corporate parties a real taste of racing.

Karting is described as motor sport in its purest form, not only the simplest way to experience the pure adrenaline of driving racing machinery but also the cradle for all the world’s greatest driving talent.

As seven-time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher once said, ‘Karting is like Formula One: it’s fine tuning, it’s really on the edge.’

The sensation of speed and precision of handling offered by a kart belies their speed, making 50km/h feel like 300km/h, and the BIC’s technical operations manager, Kareem Jawad, has been fine tuning the karts – and the track – in readiness for the fun to begin.

“Karts are very simple to drive, there are just two pedals – an accelerator to make you go and a brake to make you stop,” said Martin Whitaker, Bahrain International Circuit’s CEO.

“The focus is all on getting the most out of yourself and your machinery, learning the basics of motor sport and track safety. That and having a lot of fun!”

While karting is renowned as the first stepping stone to bigger and better things for professional racers, for the vast majority of kart drivers the sport is simply about enjoyment.

The BIC Kart Zone includes an air-conditioned briefing room, designated spectator area and purpose-built race control office in what is the most advanced karting facility in Bahrain.

“Karting is absolutely the best way to get your first taste of real motor sport, whether you want one day to turn professional or simply want to enjoy it as a hobby,” said Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, chief operating officer at BIC.

“In karts you learn about smoothness, control and striving for excellence which sets a strong example not only for racing but everyday driving too.

“Meanwhile, you are learning in the same environment that Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton did when they were youngsters.

“We are really excited to add the Kart Zone to our corporate and retail activities.”