BAHRAIN International Circuit (BIC) announced yesterday that it is trialing the first phase of its new state-of-the-art permanent lighting system at the ongoing Six Hours of Bahrain weekend marking the final round of this year’s FIA World Endurance Championship.

Once development is fully complete, the track floodlighting will be put into action for Bahrain’s first ever Formula One night race in 2014.

The permanent lighting system will also be used for the numerous other regional and international racing events hosted by BIC and will be able to accommodate a variety of track configurations.

In a hugely ambitious project, the new system will comprise in excess of 500 kilometres of cabling.

It will feature 495 lighting poles ranging in height from 10 to 45 metres, carrying the 4,500 luminaires necessary to provide the required lighting levels for HDTV broadcasting.

Other planned improvements to coincide with the 10th anniversary of BIC hosting Formula One will include upgrades to the existing spectator and vending area lighting, as well as installation of new artistic lighting to enhance and support the visual spectacle of night-time racing.

BIC chief executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa said: “We are delighted to be able to trial the first phase of our lighting project at the WEC, a major milestone in this hugely ambitious project for BIC, which is scheduled for completion in February.

“This is by far the biggest development project we have ever undertaken at BIC since the circuit was built.

“I believe that there can be no better way for us to mark our 10th anniversary in F1 by demonstrating our long-term commitment to the sport through this significant investment.”

Singapore currently hosts Formula One’s only full night race, with Abu Dhabi’s a day-to-night event with the sun setting during the race.

A spokesman said Bahrain’s race would start after sunset. The 2014 Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix is scheduled for April 6.