The layout of Bahrain's formula one circuit has been lengthened ahead of the 2010 season opener.
Organisers of the March 14 grand prix - to be the sixth in theisland Kingdom - announced on Monday that the track has been increasedfrom 5.4 to 6.3 kilometres.
The new loop, installed in 2006 and used for an endurance event thatyear, sweeps left out of the existing turn 4 and into eight new cornersbefore rejoining the original circuit.
"With the changes to the regulations, the teams and the driverlineups in formula one this year it is the perfect time to evolve thecircuit with this new challenge and new overtaking opportunities," saidcircuit chairman Zayed Alzayani.