Work on the Bahrain Racing Circuit is running ahead of schedule and officials say they are confident it will be completed by March next year.

What was once barren desert is slowly developing into a racing circuit capable of accommodating as many as 65,000 spectators.

Structures are already springing up at the 170-hectare site in Sakhir and workers have so far finished 17.5 per cent of the BD52 million ($137.9 million) project, ahead of the 13.4 per cent scheduled for completion. Major structures such as the main grandstand, VIP tower, pit buildings, media centre and medical block are clearly distinguishable.

"One of the major factors is the time constraints," said Costas Philippides, project manager with the main contractor Cybarco-WCT. "But we knew that when we tendered for the project."

A stiff fine will be imposed if the project is not finished on time - a cost which will be picked up by the contractors, which have secured commitments from international banks. If it is not ready, the amount will increase every 30 days after the deadline to a maximum of $40 million. But there is also a maximum bonus on offer if it is finished ahead of schedule.

Once the track is finished, there will be a period of testing before the first Formula One race is held in October next year.

Meanwhile, work is due to start soon on an access road linking it to Manama, utilising Bahrain's existing road network and there are plans to upgrade some stretches in Hamad Town to highways.

Five firms have submitted their consultancy bids for the Bahrain Racing Circuit road works to the Works and Housing Ministry.

They were Cowi Almoayyed Gulf for BD828,350, Parsons Global Services (BD500,811), ACE Almoayyed (BD477,917), Maunsell Consultancy (BD597,568) and Hyder Consulting (BD691,314).