It was the first Formula One race to be held in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Middle East.

The race was won by Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher.

His teammate Rubens Barrichello completed a 1-2 for the team, whilst Jenson Button completed the podium for the BAR team by finishing in third position.

The bottom 6 teams in the 2003 Constructors' Championship were entitled to run a third car in free practice on Friday.

These drivers drove on Friday but did not compete in qualifying or the race.