Formula 1 & the Motor Industry

[slashcruise]

Exceelent pics and country itself is beautiful I enjoyed my short trip.....

[Adel]

Gulf Air signs new F1 deal

MANAMA: Gulf Air yesterday renewed its sponsorship of the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix for another five years.

It has put its name to the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix since Bahrain made history by hosting the first F1 race in the Middle East in April 2004. Gulf Air chief executive Bjšrn NŠf signed the agreement with Allsport Management just before the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai.

"We are delighted and proud to extend our association with the sport of Formula One," he said.

Formula One Group chief executive officer Bernie Ecclestone welcomed the new deal, saying he was looking forward to being back at the Bahrain International Circuit for the 2009 race.

[Nilo-7]

alb7rain blad raee3

[Adel]

BIC upbeat as F1 ticket sales rise
By GEOFFREY BEW

PREPARATIONS for this year's Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix are racing ahead as officials gear up for the biggest Formula 1 extravaganza yet.

Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) chief executive officer Martin Whitaker said ticket sales are already up on the same time last year, as fans from around the world snap up seats for the race weekend, which starts on April 24.

"This year we have got the feeling of a greater sense of occasion with the Grand Prix. This is our sixth year and we have a heritage now," he told the GDN.

"It has generated a reputation for itself and people look forward to it. Our ticket and corporate sales are already up compared to the same period last year.

"It is also extremely encouraging to see that so many of the schools are giving their children and teachers the day off on April 26 (race day)."

A record crowd of almost 100,000 people attended last year's race weekend, but Mr Whitaker expects to top that, particularly given the addition of a temporary 2,000-seat grandstand at the Sakhir Circuit.

"Our advertising campaign is now in full flow in terms of design and content," he said.

"We have got a bigger and better programme, particularly with family entertainment.

"We are working with the Economic Development Board (EDB) and Information Ministry to develop our programme of entertainment, which will kick off with the Spring of Culture in March.

"This year we have a feeling of much more support from the community, particularly retailers, and there will be more of an organised sense of occasion prior to the Grand Prix.

"We are also seeing a greater response from the automotive industry wanting to get involved in putting Grand Prix adverts on their premises."

Mr Whitaker does not expect the race to be adversely affected by the global credit crunch.

"This is the largest social and sporting event in this part of the world," he said.

"People will always want to be entertained and I think the Grand Prix has now established itself as an A1 deliverer of that.

"We need to work hard to deliver the best event that we can and as long as we do that then people will be here."

This year's Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix will be the fourth race in the F1 World Championship and will take place on April 24, 25 and 26.

It will include bumper programme of off-track entertainment as well as action from the Porsche Supercup, GP2 Asia and Speedcar Series and Lumina CSV Middle East Championship and Chevrolet V8 Middle East Championship.

F1 testing sessions featuring the Ferrari, BMW and Toyota teams also will be held at the BIC from February 10 to 19, while an Open Day at the track has been lined up for February 13.

[B-Patriot]

It'll be fuckin' hott... I can't believe we're being switched to 4th, from 3rd GP..

Those 2 weeks will make a big difference weather wise..

And how perfect, that this change happens the same year Abu Dhabi is having their first GP!!

I'll probably still attend though.. We'll see..

[Adel]

Officials on fast track to handle F1 rush
By Soman BABY

IMMIGRATION authorities are already geared up to handle thousands of visitors expected to attend this year's Formula 1 race.

The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix will be held at Bahrain International Circuit from April 24 to 26. Authorities are fully prepared, following their experience in previous years, said General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence (GDNPR) finance and human resources director Nayef Al Sherooqi.

"Last year, more than 8,200 visitors arrived on the special Formula 1 visa," he told the GDN. "This is besides thousands of GCC residents and nationals of more than 35 countries who were granted visas on arrival at the airport and the King Fahd Causeway."

The F1 visa is valid for two weeks from the date of first entry and is a multiple re-entry visa.

The visa will be issued free of charge, he said

This visa has no physical evidence in the passport.

A printout of the visa approval or a letter of invitation from the sponsor may be carried by the passenger.

Passengers can obtain the F1 visa on arrival, or pre-arrange the visa through the Internet or GDNPR headquarters depending on their nationality and GCC alien residence status.

Sponsored F1 visas can be pre-arranged by the sponsor and obtained at GDNPR headquarters in Manama.

"GDNPR encourages all Bahraini commercial entities that are involved with the Formula 1 event, whether for ticket sales or providing accommodation facilities, to register online and make use of the Internet services offered by GDNPR," said Mr Al Sherooqi.

"As in previous years, GDNPR will set up several fast-track lanes at the airport solely dedicated for passports and immigration procedures related to Formula 1 event.

"All F1 visitors shall fill out arrival/departure cards. These cards will be distributed to the airlines and are available at the information desk before the immigration counters."

A special entry stamp shall be stamped by the Immigration officer into the passport and on the Arrival/Departure card.

The hard copy of the card will be attached to the passport and will be removed at departure.

Passengers must retain their stamped departure card in their passport to speed up their departure.

Applicants for F1 visas must produce a valid F1 ticket, proof of purchase or identification showing the passenger is officially associated with the F1 event in Bahrain.

Other conditions are:

* Passport must be valid for length of stay in Bahrain.

* Passenger must have a valid confirmed onward travel ticket to leave Bahrain.

* The visa holder must not violate the security and national welfare of Bahrain.

* The visa holder must not take up paid employment when in Bahrain.

* The applicant must be outside Bahrain, and must apply via sponsor or Internet unless eligible for visa on arrival.

* All visa holders must be able to support themselves and any dependants while in Bahrain.

* This visa cannot be extended.

[B-Patriot]

Btw, did u guys know Abu Dhabi's using our chief martials to run/manage their F1 GP event!?

[Adel]

F1 ticket prices slashed

By GEOFFREY BEW

MANAMA

F1 racing fans will be paying more for top seats in Bahrain this year - but some other prices have been slashed by more than 40 per cent. A three-day pass for the Main Grandstand at the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix will cost BD180, up by BD30.But prices for places in the Victory and University Grandstands have been cut by up to 44pc at BD45, to BD70 for the three-day pass.

A three-day pass to the Oasis Grandstand will remain the same, at BD120.

Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) chief executive officer Martin Whitaker said the increase in Main Grandstand tickets - the first since the race began in 2004 - reflected the improved entertainment on offer on the sidelines of the event.

This year's Grand Prix will be the fourth race in the F1 World Championship and will include action from the Porsche Supercup, GP2 Asia and Speedcar Series and Chevrolet V8 Middle East Championship.

Among the attractions on the sidelines of the race will be an exhibition of 24 famous F1 cars dating back to 1932, some of which are worth millions of dinars.

Live music, acrobats, stilt-walkers, balloon makers, musicians, professional face painters and a children's play area will keep the crowds entertained.

Mr Whitaker said the ticket prices, which were set last year, were not expensive given the level of entertainment available.

"When you look at a comparison between 2004 and 2009 I would say it is very favourable, as some grandstands cost less than they were six years ago," he said after a Press conference at the BIC.

"I think we present very good value for money and most people come to the race because they know they will have a really good weekend."

Mr Whitaker does not expect the race to be adversely affected by the credit crunch, despite the increasing cost of some ticket prices.

He also believes that Bahrain could benefit from the economic downturn.

"We expect that a lot of businesses that would normally travel (from Europe) to far away races will be looking carefully at Bahrain," Mr Whitaker told the GDN.

"Ultimately, yes they will be looking at their cash flow, but at the same time they be looking at maybe not travelling to Australia, China and Malaysia, but considering the shorter haul route to Bahrain."

The BIC has introduced a new 'roaming ticket' for BD65, which allows spectators to enter every grandstand for the day.

A special day for school children will also be held prior to the race weekend at the Sakhir circuit.

Mr Whitaker said BIC officials would also take humane measures to try and keep out desert dogs, which made it on to the Sakhir circuit during the F1 testing sessions last month.

Gulf Air chief executive officer Bjšrn NŠf said the airline was proud to have brought many first-time visitors to Bahrain, for the F1.

"I personally believe the Grand Prix is more than just a race," he said.

"With all its activities it is an amalgamation of cultures and tastes from every part of the world under one great theme, the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix."

Mr NŠf later said he did not expect the credit crunch to affect passenger numbers and believes the airline can beat last year's figures of around 50,000 visitors.

Tickets for the race are already on sale through the BIC call centre on 17450000, via the website www.bahraingp.com and at the BIC stand in the Seef Mall. geoff@gdn.com.bh

[Adel]

أصغر سائق للفورمولا واحد المقيين في مملكة البحرين سيباستيان

The Bahrain resident Sebastian Biome of Toro Roso team is the youngest F1 driver in the 2009 F1 season.

بيومي يستعد لسباق جائزة البحرين الكبرى لطيران الخليج

سيباستيان بيومي سائق فريق «تورو روسو» والمقيم في مملكة البحرين يستعد لسباق جائزة البحرين الكبرى لطيران الخليج للفورمولا واحد الذي سيقام في الفترة من 24 إلى 26 أبريل القادم على مضمار حلبة البحرين الدولية. وسيكون السويسري سيباستيان بيومي اصغر سائقي الفورمولا واحد المشاركين في موسم 2009 من بطولة العالم للفورمولا واحد، وكانت بدايات السائق السويسري في الكارتنج وسرعان ما انتقل للفورمولاBMW، والفورمولا 3 وبعدها ليشارك في سباقات الـGP2 وكأصغر سائق لهذا الموسم أكد بيومي قائلا « ان تطلعاتي لموسم 2009 أولا التعلم ومن ثم تطوير علاقة العمل مع فريق تورو روسو والعمل على أقصى إمكانيات للسيارة التي سأقودها، وإذا أمكن تسجيل نقاط جيدة في البطولة.» ومع قرب استضافة حلبة البحرين الدولية للنسخة السادسة من سباق جائزة البحرين الكبرى لطيران الخليج للفورمولا واحد 2009 والذي ستحتضن الحلبة الجولة الرابعة من البطولة، يعتقد بيومي أن سباق البحرين يعتبر واحد من أهم السباقات في الموسم، والكثير من السائقين يحبون حلبة البحرين وكرم الضيافة في المملكة خلال فترة اقامتهم، ويؤكد قائلا «لكوني مقيم في مملكة البحرين أعتبر السباق في بلدي، وأضاف بما أن سباق البحرين سيكون الجولة الرابعة لبطولة هذا العام وبحلول ذلك الوقت فأننا سنتمكن من معرفة المزيد عن قدرات السيارة التي سأقودها، وسيكون من الرائع أن أتمكن من تسجيل بعض النقاط أمام عدد كبير من المشجعين.» وجدير بالذكر ان سباق جائزة البحرين الكبرى لطيران الخليج للفورمولا واحد 2009 سيقام في الفترة من 24 إلى 26 أبريل القادم، وستشهد حلبة البحرين الدولية الكثير من الفعاليات الترفيهية للعائلات والاطفال وكذلك السباقات المساندة للحدث العالمي، للاستفسار عن التذاكر الرجاء الاتصال بـ17 45 0000 أو زيارة الموقع الالكتروني www.bahraingp.com أو من منصة بيع التذاكر المتواجدة في مجمع السيف التجاري..

[Adel]

Spectacular line-up for Grand Prix 2009
By DANIEL MUNDEN, Posted on » Friday, April 10, 2009

AFRICAN acrobats, professional beatboxers and stilt-walking jazz musicians are just some of the acts that have been announced for the upcoming Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.

As fans across the world gear up for the three-day bonanza of tyre-screeching, adrenaline-pumping Formula One action, organisers have been busy behind the scenes ensuring that the entertainment off-track at the BIC is just as enthralling.

Before that, however, fans can visit the F1 Zone at Bahrain City Centre, which was officially launched yesterday.

It includes a photo and art exhibition, a driving school for kids, displays of classic cars across the entire mall, an F1 simulator and competitions running up until race weekend with daily ticket giveaways.

The April 24 weekend will showcase the first public exhibition of 24 famous F1 cars dating back to 1932, some of which are worth millions of dinars as well as the ever-present F1 World Championship, Porsche Supercup, GP2 Asia and Speedcar Series and Chevrolet V8 Middle East Championships.

Another familiar sight will be the sky high bungee and those trying the reverse bungee can enjoy the experience safe in the knowledge that the Sky High team of four are some of the most experienced professionals within the UK, said organisers.

Hoop La La fresh off the back of their appearance on Britain's Got Talent are the first of the F1's acrobatic offerings, providing a unique fusion of acro-balance, hand balancing, contortion and hula-hooping.

Joining them will be African acrobat posse Limpop Zambezi, made up of gymnasts from across Mozambique, Kenya and Ghana.

The Vander Brother Triple Space Wheel will be featured at the race, described as a fast-paced act which involves the Vander brothers performing death-defying leaps, somersaults, handstands and blindfolded walks - all on a revolving aerial pendulum.

For the more laid-back, Thomas Trilby and Steve Kaos will be juggling all manner of bizarre and strange items, whilst a balloon man and face-painting will also be on offer for the kids, said organisers.

Internationally acclaimed dance collective Funkstylerz will be popping and locking their way across the BIC and will be joined by New Jersey based ICONic dance crew and Decibella - an all-female dance team.

The street-artist theme will continue with the event's musical offerings, which include funk, soul and jazz act Bijoumiyo, stilt-walking jazz band The Top Bananas and master violinist Danielle Sutcliffe - who has supported artists from The Game to the Spice Girls.

Street buskers the Cash Cows and Benedict will be placed in the various tunnels around the BIC, giving it that authentic street-party feel and Petebox, one of the world's finest human beatboxers will round off the event's offerings with his unique take on modern music.

[Adel]

150 medical staff on F1 stand-by
By MANDEEP SINGH, Posted on » Friday, April 10, 2009

MORE than 150 of Bahrain's best medical professionals will be on hand in case of an emergency during this month's Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, it was declared yesterday.

Fresh after being recognised by motor sport's governing body the FŽdŽration Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) as the best in the world, the team was given a comprehensive overview of arrangements at the event, which takes place on April 24, 25 and 26.

Formula One chief medical officer Dr Amjad Obaid said there would be changes in the way medical assistance was provided in the event of a crash and these had been incorporated into the plan.

"We are very well prepared and ready to tackle any eventuality," he told the GDN.

Speaking on the sidelines of the workshop at the College of Health Sciences in Salmaniya, Dr Obaid said around 50 doctors, including several specialists, would man clinics at various places within the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), all parts of the race track and other areas.

"We have been training for months and have honed our skills at other events at the BIC over the last year," he said.

Dr Obaid, who is also Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) Accident and Emergency Department senior resident, said 10 ambulances, six fast intervention cars and three extrication vehicles would also be available.

"Neurosurgeons, plastic surgeons and emergency medicine, general surgery, orthopaedics and anaesthesia specialists, along with those in internal medicine will be on duty at all times," he said.

Dr Obaid said there would also be two helicopters on hand, one at the track and the other on standby.

"They will be used to carry injured to hospital without loss of time if the need does arise," he said.

Dr Obaid said extrication teams would be strategically situated around the circuit in case of accidents where the driver was unable to get out of the cockpit.

"Experts in trauma, cardiac care and resuscitation have been specially trained for any eventuality," he said.

The Bahrain medical team was recognised by the FIA last year after five successful years of hosting the event at the Sakhir circuit.

In 2004, Bahrain became the first Middle East country to host a F1 race, which will be repeated annually until at least 2016.

mandeep@gdn.com.bh


MEDICAL staff at the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix will this year wear special gloves and shoes to ward off potential electric shocks from the racing cars. Sources said the special equipment was being used as a precaution following the introduction of KERS technology (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) used by some teams.

[Adel]

F1 visitors urged to tour sites
Posted on » Wednesday, April 22, 2009

FORMULA One fans flocking to Bahrain are being urged to stay a little longer to tour the country's religious and historical sites alongside its modern achievements.

Organised tours, with volunteer guides, are being laid on by the Ahmed Al Fateh Islamic Centre and Discover Islam, from today until Wednesday.

They coincide with the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, which begins on Friday and concludes on Sunday with the actual race.

Tours organisers are hoping that Grand Prix visitors will flock to see sites including the Ahmad Al Fateh Mosque (Grand Mosque), Tree of Life, Al Jasra Handicraft Centre, Bahrain National Museum, Bahrain International Circuit, Bahrain International Airport, the King Fahad (Saudi-Bahrain) Causeway, Camel Farm, Bab Al Bahrain suq, A'ali Burial Mounds, A'ali Pottery and many other attractions.

Visitors may book by contacting Discover Islam on 17537373, from 8am to 1pm and 4pm to 9pm.

[Adel]

Adliya Touristic First Class Resturant Area ready for F1 visitors after renovationالبعض شبهها بما حصل في قلب بيروت ...

أعمال تطوير تشهدها العدلية استعداداً لاستقبال ضيوف الفورمولا 1

العدلية - مازن مهدي

بدأت أعمال التزيين والتجميل تأخذ مداها في منطقة العدلية استعدادا لاستقبال ضيوف سباقات الفورمولا 1 ومنطقة العدلية التي يطلق عليها معظم البحرينيين اسم «شارع الحب» فيما يطلق عليها أغلب الوافدين الأوروبيين «طريق الشاورما» لكثرة المطاعم التي تغص بها ، وهي وإن اختلفت تسمياتها عن مسماها الأصلي «شارع أسامة بن زيد» فإن عملية التطوير التي تشهدها المنطقة هذه الأيام قد أعادت أليها سحرها الذي بدأ يخبو منذ فترة .

وتعد عملية التطوير هذه هي الأولى من نوعها في البحرين لمنطقة تصنف بـ «الممتازة» حيث تم إعادته تأهيلها من جميع النواحي بما في ذلك إعادة رصف وتطوير الطرق والتشجير وإدخال مقومات سياحية أخرى . ومن المتوقع أن تستكمل المرحلة الأولى من عملية التطوير قبل بدء سباقات الفورمولا 1 هذا الأسبوع فيما ستبدأ المرحلة الثانية بعيد السباق. وتعد المنطقة المحاذية لشارع «أسامة بن زيد» وهي شارع يوسف الشيراوي جنوب القضيبية من أهم معالم الجذب السياحي في البحرين ،حيث أنها المنطقة الوحيدة في الخليج التي تتجمع فيها مطاعم الدرجة الأولى خارج الفنادق، بالإضافة إلى كونها منطقة تحوي معرضين فنيين ومقاهي . وتتضمن أعمال التطوير استحداث موقفين للسيارات وإغلاق أجزاء من الطرق لتحويلها الى ممشى وتغيير مسارات واستملاك أراض خاصة لبناء مواقف إضافية في المرحلة المقبلة .

وسيطال التطوير أيضاً عملية تشجير واستحداث دوار وخلق مساحات خضراء واستحداث مساطب على جوانب الطريق وأنواع مختلفة من الإنارة ،حيث روعي في ذلك استخدام إنارة استوردت خصيصاً من إسبانيا ، توفر صرف الكهرباء وتحافظ على البيئة، بالإضافة الى كونها تعطي مظهرا جماليا كما تم رصف الممشى وأجزاء من الشارع بقطع اسمنتية .

وشملت أعمال التطوير أيضاً استحداث موقف خاص لسيارات التاكسي بالقرب من المطعم الصيني المحاذي لشارع أسامة بن زيد وذلك لتخفيف الضغط المروري من جهة وتيسير وصول السياح من جهة أخرى.

وقال مدير عام التخطيط العمراني بوزارة البلديات الشيخ حمد بن محمد آل خليفة إن السعي لاستكمال الأعمال قبل بدء الفورمولا 1 يهدف للاستفادة من تدفق السياح المتوقع خلال أيام السباق وإن عملية التطوير ستعود بالنفع على الاستثمارات الموجودة في المنطقة عبر تشجيع السياحة الداخلية على مدار العام.

وأضاف أن مشروع تطوير شارع يوسف الشيراوي جنوب القضيبية يعتبر عاملاً مهماً في تعزيز مكانه البحرين كمركز مالي وخاصة أن تلك المطاعم تدعم العاملين في ذلك القطاع.

وكشف الشيخ حمد عن أن أعمال التطوير قد بدأت فعلاً تلقى اهتماما ودعما من القطاع الخاص خارج المنطقة بما فيها بعض الفنادق التي أبدت رغبة في تسير مواصلات خاصة بها بين المنطقة والفندق للمقيمين لديها عبر الاستفادة في المواقف التي خصصت لمركبات التاكسي. وأردف أن مشروع التطوير الذي تبنته الوزارة ولقي دعماً ومتابعة مباشرة من وزير البلديات يسعى ألى أن يحقق جزءا من الرؤية السياحية التي تقع من ضمن الرؤية الاقتصادية للبحرين التي تبناها مجلس التنمية الاقتصادية وخاصة أن قطاع السياحة يمثل جزءاً مهماً من تلك الرؤية. وتحدث بعض زوار المنطقة لـ« الوسط» يوم أمس حيث قارنوا ما يجري بعملية التحديث بمنطقة سوليدير السياحية في لبنان التي تحتضن المقاهي فيما اعتبرها البعض اقرب إلى «سر البحرين الجديد» الذي لم يكتشف بعد حيث اجمع معظمهم على أن إغلاق أجزاء من الشارع لتحويله ألى ممشى وتوفير مواقف السيارات هو تغير جذري إلى الأفضل. تلك النظرة من قبل الزوار شاطرهم فيها أصحاب المحلات الذي أشار بعضهم إلى أنهم يتوقعون زيادة عدد الرواد لمطاعمهم ومقاهيهم، مثل مدير مطعم زوي تاتيتوس فرناندس الذي أوضح أنه يتوقعون زيادة كبير من عدد الرواد في الأيام والأسابيع المقبلة مع استكمال عملية التطوير متوقعاً أن ينعكس ذلك على جميع المحلات بصفة ايجابية.

فرناندس الذي يستقطب مطعمه الكثير من البحرينيين والمقيمين والخليجيين على حد سواء والذي مضى على نشاطه 11 عاماً أردف أنه على رغم نجاح المطعم فإن عملية التطوير ستساهم في جذب زوار جدد سواء من داخل وخارج البحرين خاصة وان المنطقة توفر خدمات درجة أولى إلى مطاعم تقدم وجبات صينية وتايلندية ويابانية وفرنسية بالإضافة إلى المقاهي وهو ما سيشجع المزيد على زيارة المنطقة مع تطوير المواقف الخاصة بالسيارات.

[Adel]

F1 fun on fast track...
By DANIEL MUNDEN, Posted on » Saturday, April 25, 2009

FORMULA One fans lapped up a feast of entertainment on the sidelines of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix yesterday.

Buskers, break-dancers, stilt-walking jazz musicians, giant cuddly-toys and reverse-bungee jumps for the brave were just some of the attractions on offer at the Grand Prix.

The first public exhibition of Bernie Ecclestone's classic F1 car collection was unveiled whilst a Bahraini marching band, human beatboxer Petebox and buskers Benedict, Daniel Sutcliffe and the Cash Cows serenaded crowds in-between races.

After rain-soaked races at Malaysia and China, everybody was praying for clear skies and sunshine and the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) did not disappoint, with an impressive crowd in glorious sunshine with temperatures reaching 38C.

BIC chief executive officer Martin Whitaker expressed his surprise at the number of people turning up for yesterday's festivities, suggesting he thought the numbers could be the highest ever.

"I think this is the busiest I've ever seen," he told the GDN yesterday.

"I was pleasantly surprised. I don't think I've ever seen so many people here on a Friday."

Mr Whitaker said he felt attractions like Mr Ecclestone's classic F1 car collection had certainly helped with their new cost-effective Grand Prix.

"I think it has definitely had an effect, you only have to look at the number of people trying to get in - I think it's fantastic," he said.

"I think everything that we're doing adds a degree of colour to the whole programme.

"The place looks wonderful and I really feel the Grand Prix has come of age; we're now in our sixth year and I think there's a real heritage here now.

"There's an understanding of the sport and I think people now realise what we offer; they can see it's not just a one-off event and there's some longevity and continuity here."

Suggestions that the November 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix may have negatively affected the attendance of this year's Grand Prix were also quashed by Mr Whitaker who added that Bahrain had now set a benchmark for the region.

"It'll help to enlarge the fan base.

"If both Grand Prix are successful- I'm sure they will be - then it's good news for everybody; they've had a lot of people visiting there over the past few days and I'm sure they're realising that we're going to be a tough act to follow."

Mr Whitaker also remains confident that tomorrow's race will be a sell-out; even if corporate sales aren't as high as in previous years.

"What I do know is that there are big queues down at Seef Mall, Bahrain City Centre and at the ticket selling point here in Sakhir," he said.

"And whilst corporate sales are not as good as in past years - we've got to accept that - we're very pleased and I'm pretty certain that we're going to sell out."

[Adel]

Provisional 2010 F1 calendar leaked

A provisional, 18-race calendar for the 2010 Formula 1 World Championship has been leaked – with Canada returning to the schedule but Australia losing its curtain-raising slot to Bahrain.

The list has been obtained by ESPN Racing-Live, and reveals that the season is set to begin on 14 March and end on 7 November, with Abu Dhabi again in-line to host the finale. The reason that Melbourne has been overlooked in favour of Sakhir for the opener is understood to be that daylight savings time Down Under and the prospect of a 'twilight' race there make it more convenient to begin the campaign in Bahrain.

Elsewhere on the calendar, the British Grand Prix is slated to take place at Donington Park, though as with Montreal's return following an enforced one-year absence, there is not yet any official confirmation, with Silverstone still waiting in the wings should its Leicestershire rival prove unable to fulfil its side of the agreement.

Similarly, Hockenheim is down to host the German Grand Prix on 25 July, but that is subject to ongoing financial discussions, with the city council adamant that it is no longer willing to fund the loss-making event.

The provisional calendar is as follows:

March 14 Bahrain Sakhir
March 28 Australia Melbourne
April 4 Malaysia Sepang
April 25 Turkey Istanbul
May 9 Spain Barcelona
May 23 Monaco Monte Carlo
June 6 Canada Montreal
June 27 Europe Valencia
July 11 Great Britain Donington Park
July 25 Germany Hockenheim
August 1 Hungary Budapest
August 22 Belgium Spa-Francorchamps
September 5 Italy Monza
September 19 China Shanghai
September 26 Singapore Singapore
October 10 Japan Suzuka
October 24 Brazil Interlagos
November 7 Abu Dhabi Yas Marina

[Adel]

Emirati star at F1
Posted on » Monday, February 15, 2010

TOP Emirati singer Hussain Al Jasmi will be one of several artists performing at the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix next month.

Described as one of the best-known Arabic singers in the GCC, Mr Al Jasmi has performed across the region including at the Al Mahaba Music Festival in Cairo and Damascus, he also performed at Bahrain's Independence Day celebrations in 2007.

He will be performing at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir's concert area on March 11.

The Emirati star received the Murex D'or Award in 2008 for Best Arabic Singer and the ART Oscar Awards for Best Arab Artist late last year.

All fans with a three-day pass to the race will be able to enjoy Mr Jasmi's performance free of charge.

He is the first official performer to be announced for the Grand Prix weekend, but organisers say he will be joined by a number of Arabic and international artists on the sidelines of the event, which takes place from March 11 to 13.

Meanwhile, the BIC's official marketing campaign is well underway in preparation for next month's race.

Several highways have been branded with the colours of the F1 season's opening race, while the Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman highway - which connects the Bahrain International Airport (BIA) and the BIC - has been adorned with flags, lamppost advertisements and billboards.

The Pearl Roundabout flyover has also been completely re-branded, as have several roads in Sakhir.

Over the coming weeks the BIA will also be adorned with the BIC's campaign, giving visitors a warm welcome ahead of next month's race.

Tickets for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix can be purchased at the circuit's stands at Seef Mall and Bahrain City Centre, its welcome centre in Sakhir, by phone on 17450000 or online at www.bahraingp.com.

[MCR_17]

best circuit ;D

[ChackM]

Very interesting ! And very nice pictures !