THE Six Hours of Bahrain is one of the most unique motor racing events in the world, says two of the sport’s leading figures, reports PATRICK SALOMON.
The race, which made its debut last year, has been described as being “phenomenally hard” by Toyota Racing ace Alex Wurz. But it is those same challenging characteristics that appeal to the Austrian.
Apart from the high-caliber field of international racing teams and drivers, Wurz recalled the extremely high temperatures of the 2012 event in the kingdom, held in late September, as among the biggest tests.
This year, however, the FIA WEC has scheduled the desert race as the season-ender in late November, and this change to much cooler weather will make a colossal difference for both the participating teams and race-goers alike.
“Last year’s race was phenomenally hard!” Toyota Racing ace Alexander Wurz described.
“We could not do more than one stint in the car per driver.
“When I got out of the car last year, I went straight into a bucket of ice and water. It was a very tough challenge.
“That’s how I usually like it, with the best races offering the biggest challenges. But last year we suffered a lot in the car.
“This year, we are expecting perfect race conditions having the event at the end of the calendar. It is definitely better for us with the lower temperatures.
“But no matter how we race, the Six Hours of Bahrain is one of the most unique motor racing meetings; there’s none other like it in the world.”
FIA WEC chief executive Gerard Nevee concurred, and he noted that the change in the race date not only benefits the competitors, but all race-goers as well.
“In terms of the overall organisation, the public can be more comfortable when watching the race,” Neveu explained.
“Last year, it was very hot and endurance racing is not like Formula One, where the race is over in one-and-a-half or two hours.
“In endurance racing, you can come and see the start which will be magnificent with so many different cars lining up on the grid.
“You can then step out of the stands and enjoy the atmosphere in the Paddock and in the entertainment area, and then come back and see the middle of the race and the exciting ending.”
Neveu called on all of Bahrain’s race fans to come and enjoy the motorsport spectacle when it takes place November 29 and 30 in Sakhir. The Six Hours of Bahrain is the only event of its kind to be held in the Middle East, and this should be taken advantage of.
“The six-hour race, by definition, is truly a unique event,” Neveu said. “It is an opportunity for the entire Middle East to come and enjoy endurance racing. It is a full-day occasion and fans have the chance to enjoy a full weekend.
“There is nothing to compare with it in any other motorsport.”