Why is desert sand glued down during the Bahrain Grand Prix? 

The Bahrain Grand Prix is the season opener in Formula One. It was the first track to hold a race in the Middle East. F1 held races in Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar following the success at Shakir. Due to its location, in the middle of the desert, the organizers had trouble with the sand. The winds blow the sand onto the track, which is unsuitable for race cars. Even a small amount of sand has an impact on the performance of the car on the 5.412-kilometer track with 15 corners that has 5 different layouts.

Thankfully, the circuit bosses had a solution. They spray adhesive in the surrounding area before the race weekend to mitigate the concerns from teams. The aim is to keep the desert sand off the race track and tyre. It would otherwise reduce grip and affect other systems on the cars.  The presence of desert sand in the runoff area or any other part of the track surface might prompt fatal accidents as it affects the grip levels of the car, cause tyre degradation, and more.  Measures had to be taken to prevent unfortunate incidents due to the lots of variables. FI was able to make Shakir one of the exciting tracks on the schedule with it’s determination. 

This is an area where sandstorms are common. To keep the sand away from the race track, the construction aggregate is shipped from England. This is quite expensive but serves its purpose. It provides a good grip. It is a real challenge to keep the sand off the track that is built in the desert. Apart from spraying adhesive substances, the tracks are also swept regularly.

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Micheal Schumacher and co raised their concerns about the first Bahrain GP 

The first race in the Bahrain International Circuit was held in 2004. Micheal Schumacher and the other drivers were concerned about racing at the Hermann Tilke-designed track due to the sand affecting their performance. Alongside the driver, team bosses also raised their concerns. They believed that the sand has the ability to alter track conditions. This was their only worry despite it being a new track. The teams did not believe that spraying the adhesive would provide a solution. They were certain the sane would drift and cause chaos.

Schumacher stated, “The real worry in Bahrain Grand Prix is the sand. We are all concerned about it and how much the sand will affect the performance of the engine.” Along with him, other teams also raised their concerns. The drivers were worried about their engines. The sand could enter the cars and cause potential damage, so the air filter would have to play a vital role.

Jenson Button also stated the same, “It will be all over the circuit and could damage the engine.” Though this was their concern before the inaugural race at the Bahrain International Circuit, the teams have now come to terms with it. They have solutions for every problem, as they should. Since 2004, races have been held at this circuit 18 times. 

Here is a list of Bahrain GP winners 

Lewis Hamilton is the winningest driver at the Bahrain GP. the 7 times world champion has won the event five times, he also holds the record for most podium finishes with 10. Sebastian Vettel is the second most successful, with 4 race wins.  Ferrari drivers have won seven races in the circuit,

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