Formula One travelled to the Middle East for the first time at the brand new circuit in Bahrain in 2004. The Bahrain International Circuit is a magnificent complex built expressly to host Formula One in the region.

The Circuit is located in Sakhir, which is around 30 kilometres from the country's Capital of Manama. Concerns over sand blowing onto the circuit proved to be wide of the mark as race organisers took time to ensure all lose material were firmly 'bonded' to the surface.

The inaugural event saw Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello dominate both in qualifying and in the race itself with Schumacher controlling the race to finish just 1.3 seconds ahead of his Brazilian team-mate. Fernando Alonso took the victory in 2005 on his way to his and Renault's first championship success.