Vroom Vroom

Since the Bahrain Grand Prix occurred last weekend, I thought I would share some photos of the Bahrain International Circuit. Hubby was incredibly excited to visit this Mecca of speed during our Christmas holiday, which was rather weird. For someone who is famously disdainful of racing in all its forms this behavior seemed most odd - at least until I saw the sign for the go-carts. But I’m getting ahead of myself…

Although I’ve never been much of a racing fan, driving up to the track you cannot help but see what a big deal Formula One racing is in Bahrain. The first indication of its popularity hits you the moment you leave the airport and are confronted with signs every few miles telling you that you are on the right track (pardon the pun) toward finding the Bahrain International Circuit.

After driving by the ubiquitous McDonald’s – located only a few miles from the main entrance to the track – you start to notice all empty yet paved space on your left. If you drive past entrance you would see that the paved squares continue on seemingly forever – on both sides of the highway. The parking lots (plural thank you) go on for several miles, which made me wonder if the walk from your car would take longer than the race itself. We were told that the event sells out months before the actual race every year and that the lots closest to the track would fill hours before the race actually started.

Despite visiting the Circuit on two separate days we were unable to try out the go-carts as the miniature track was being repaired. (I’m not positive as we weren’t able to drive them, but it looked like the cars were Formula 1-shaped. Tres cool!) We also managed to miss out on a tour of the facilities. This was despite seeing other people being shown around the inner track and observation tower. Not that we were bitter… Much.

After purchasing the requisite sports jersey from the gift shop, Hubby and I made our way over to the grandstands. Both of us found ourselves quickly caught up in the F1 mystique – I swear I could hear the roar of the engines racing by as we walked around the seats we thought were probably at the finish line. “Look, there’s where they pull over for pit stops!” “This would be a great place to sit!” “You can see the whole track from here.”

Hubby keeps talking about buying property in Bahrain saying that he loves the island nation. But I secretly think that he’s turning into a motor head and wants to attend the annual F1 race. Jacques Villeneuve had better watch out!