MANAMA (REUTERS) - Bahrain circuit officials will test a new floodlight system this weekend as part of their plans to turn the 10th anniversary of their Formula One Grand Prix into a night race next year.

Bahrain International Circuit chief executive Salman Isa Al-Khalifa said in a statement on Friday that a round of the world endurance championship at the circuit on Saturday and Sunday would test the first phase of the project.

"This is by far the biggest development project we have ever undertaken at the BIC since the circuit was first built," he said.

"I believe that there can be no better way for us to mark our 10th anniversary in F1 by demonstrating our long term commitment to the sport through this significant investment," he said.

The track floodlighting for the F1 race will involve 495 lighting poles, ranging in height from 10-45 metres, and be suitable for high-definition TV broadcasting.

Singapore currently hosts Formula One's only full night race, with Abu Dhabi's a day-to-night event with the sun setting during the race. A spokesman said Bahrain's race would start after sunset.

Bahrain's race is scheduled for April 6.