High speeds and heavy braking characterise the Bahrain International Circuit, host of the final round of the FIA World Endurance Championship. On the 5.412-kilometre circuit, the cars reach top speeds of around 300 km/h. Tyre management is a key point on the Sakhir circuit, which, due to its technical characteristics, puts considerable stress on both tyres and braking systems. “The Bahrain circuit is very demanding, both for the cars and for the driver, but it allows for many overtaking opportunities, a feature that makes the race enjoyable,” explains Antonio Giovinazzi, who shares the 499P number 51 with Alessandro Pier Guidi and James Calado. 

A unique context within the FIA WEC landscape. “The Sakhir track stands out from all the others,” continues the Italian driver. “Among the key elements are the varying temperatures and light conditions, given that we start in full daylight and finish well after sunset, with cooler air and under the lights.” Traditionally, the Bahrain 8 Hours, taking place at the end of the world championship season, has offered the public very competitive racing. “The points on offer are crucial,” Giovinazzi continues, “and the fact that there are many overtaking opportunities makes the race very lively. The public can witness a remarkable spectacle, and we drivers enjoy it too.”

The combination of high speeds and heavy braking is another characteristic of the Bahrain International Circuit. “Just think of the very long starting straight, where we reach extremely high speeds and arrive at turn one shifting from seventh to first gear. It is a very slow corner where it is extremely difficult to manage traction on exit,” explains the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans Centenary winning driver in detail. “Even in turn four, traction must be managed carefully due to the slope change that leads downhill towards turn five, the fastest of all, followed in succession by turns six and seven, where attacking the curbs is crucial.”

Among other critical points at Sakhir, Giovinazzi highlights is: “Turn eight, with a downhill braking zone where it is easy to lock the wheels,” and turn twelve, “which in qualifying is taken at full throttle, while in the race it is necessary to manage speed carefully to avoid subjecting the tyres to excessive wear.”