Kingdom's driving ambition

THE new Bahrain International Karting Circuit is on the edge of the BIC and comes under the umbrella of the exciting @bahrain project which will comprise of hotels, a multi-purpose indoor arena, retail and leisure facilities as well as the much-heralded exhibition and convention centre.

David Terrien, the circuit's karting operations consultant, is a former GT Karting world champion and has been helping to advise the circuit's management team throughout its soft opening.

He is recognised as one of the leading experts in the field and has been working with the French Karting Federation for five years. He also designed, opened and operated tracks in Dubai. He is currently working alongside software development specialist, Joao Goudeia.

Mr Terrien said: "The track itself is unique. It is the only one homologated to international standards that can hold world championships at night.

"What's also very nice is that not only have the tracks been designed to please the best racing drivers in the world, but they also accommodate the beginner. It is also absolutely perfect for corporate events.

"The first days of operation has shown that both kids and adults are coming and they all enjoy the layout of the track and the facilities."

Nine-year-old pals Bradley Altman, and George Axtell, who both live in Saar and attend St. Christopher's Junior School, were among the first youngsters to visit.

Bradley said: "I was so inspired that it really felt that I was in a F1 car on the track! I would want to go every day with my friends. I think it was safe with all the gear and rules and would give it a '10 out of 10'. Amazing, brilliant, stunning - it's so much fun. I love it!"

George added: "I loved racing down the hills and around the sharp bends - it was so fast and exciting, although it was a shame we couldn't go through the tunnel.

"The fact it's quite a long track also makes it challenging and so much more fun than before on the old track. All the new equipment is superb. The safety talk before the start was also a really good idea. I can't wait until my dad takes us again!"

Above the track is a high-tech 'clubhouse' offering a complete view of the circuit. It boasts a lounge area and there is also an open terrace. The first floor houses the Speed CafŽ, a conference room, events hall and a karting retail outlet will open shortly.

The ground floor will soon feature an Arabic-style seating area in which guests can enjoy meals and refreshments from the cafŽ and shisha.

In order to register to race, guests are greeted at the reception area by a touch-screen to fill in personal details. Membership (in the form of a micro-chipped card) logs all track records, transmits texts to mobile phones and offers links to social networking site, Facebook.

After registration a safety briefing takes place. Locker rooms offer changing facilities, showers and a set of racing attire as well as helmets and gloves.

The SODI fun kart for kids is designed to make their initial drive both fun and safe. The four horse-power engine Honda GX160cc have adjustable pedals, seat and steering columns to allow any driver from 1m 20cm tall to drive.

It is fully padded, with colour-coded foot pedals, a lap timing transponder, remote control for stopping the karts from a distance or to limit the speed, anti-gas brakes and protective cover and engine cowling.

The adult SODI RX7 karts run on a nine horse-power engine and are designed for drivers 1m 40cm and taller. The RX7 boast a Honda GX270cc engine and are considered to have the most advanced impact absorption system fitted on karts to date with adjustable pedals and seats.

Karters with their own vehicles can also store them at the track.

The Bahrain International Karting Circuit is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10am to midnight and on Sundays and Mondays from 4pm to midnight.

BAHRAIN'S Shaikh Abdulla bin Isa Al Khalifa, president of the Bahrain Motor Federation and an existing member of motorsport's governing body the FIA World Council, was appointed as president of the FIA's karting body, the Commission International De Karting (CIK), last November.

"Karting has a unique role to play in motorsport, not only as a mature discipline in its own right, but as the very backbone of motorsport," he said. "We have a vibrant and hugely important sport, which not only provides a highly accessible entry point for motor enthusiasts, it also provides a spring-board for racing drivers of the future, as evidenced by countless former F1 world champions. "Karting's continued growth, on a global basis, is essential to increasing awareness, enjoyment and participation in motorsport and is a fundamental pillar of its future development."

Just the ticket

'Arrive and Drive' is the simplest form of karting activity. On arrival at the BIKC, drivers will first need to register and pay BD10 for a 15 minute session.

These sessions are available simultaneously for kids (from seven to 12) and adults (from 13) on two separate tracks using different karts.

The Mini Grand Prix is a sprint race package that includes three different sessions. All participants will take part in the practice/qualifying, as well as two racing sessions.

Race results and lap timings will be measured with an F1-style timing system and displayed on LCD screens throughout the facilities. Print-outs of the results will be distributed to all participants.

This package is designed for groups of 10 to 25 people and includes marshals, mechanics, track timing, helmets, race suits, gloves and balaclavas. It costs BD25 per participant and is available seven-days-a-week between 10:30pm and midnight. Booking should be confirmed with minimum 48-hour notice. Options including catering and trophies are available and can be booked in advance.

Kid's birthday packages will be available for groups of 10 to 25 youngsters on Friday and Saturday mornings, costing BD12.5 per child. Participants will get to drive three timed sessions of 10 minutes.

A Drive Training package offers four sessions of two hours each.The time will be split equally between on-track driving and classroom lectures.

Addressed areas include 'vision' - where to look and how to project your vision, braking technique and discovering the 'Racing Line'. Students will receive a certificate at the completion of the course which costs BD160.

For more information visit www.bahrain-karting.com