Bahrain to use extended layout

(GMM) The layout of Bahrain's formula one circuit has been lengthened ahead of the 2010 season opener.

Organizers of the March 14 grand prix – to be the sixth in the island Kingdom – announced on Monday that the track has been increased from 5.4 to 6.3 kilometers.

The new loop, installed in 2006 and used for an endurance event that year, sweeps left out of the existing turn 4 and into eight new corners before rejoining the original circuit.

"With the changes to the regulations, the teams and the driver lineups in formula one this year it is the perfect time to evolve the circuit with this new challenge and new overtaking opportunities," said circuit chairman Zayed Alzayani.