Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
The Formula 1 season is upon us and it’s all very exhilarating and exciting, with most of Bahrain talking of nothing else — unless, that is, motor sports is not your thing.
Let’s face it, as much as it’s taboo to admit, it is altogether possible that I’m not the only someone out there that isn’t thrilled at the prospect of sitting around for hours as some very fast and odd looking cars roar past with deafening sound every minute of so.
If that’s the case then don’t worry because you don’t have to be a Formula 1 fan to have fun at the circuit while your man indulged his passion. Let’s face it, there’s a lot more going on than the race. Far more alluring is the possibility of rubbing shoulders with the global glitterati that could come round the bend at any moment!
That’s right ladies, Formula 1 is practically a synonym ‘famous people’s hang out’ and Bahrain is no exception to the rule. You never know who you’re going to see walking down the paddock straight. You could quit easily turn around bump into the likes of models Naomi Campbell — who had a fiery two year relationship with Renault team boss Flavio Briatore — or Elizabeth Hurley who has been quoted as saying: “Everything that’s great about Formula One racing: speed, glamour, passion, noise and a hint of danger because the cars are never too far away from the barriers.”
Other famous Grand Prix fans include Jamiroquai front man Jay Kay who took part in last year’s celebrity race right here in Bahrain. “It’s no secret that I love racing, doing a little bit myself,” said the singing hat stand. “So when the guys start their engines it’s a question of honour for me to be there. For musicians the sound of those cars must have something magical. It creates vibes that go straight to your brain. I guess that’s why you find so many of us at races.”
If Jay Kay isn’t to your taste, Michael Douglas is also a big fan of the sport: “I love Formula One racing. It’s great theater — a terrific plot, great characters, the whole world is the stage — only it’s for real.”
You could also find yourself face-to-face with tennis legend Boris Becker who visited the BIC during this year’s Formula one testing and said: “I love Formula One and McLaren is my favourite team,” said Boris. “I’ve got to know the members well over the last few years so it is great to see them again and to be able to wish them well for the season.”
Former Guns ‘n’ Roses front man Axl Rose is another fan you could easily find yourself spotting in the crowds and is of the opinion that: “The atmosphere is mesmerising. All my professional life I have worked with sound so I truly appreciate the noise that these cars produce. They make the air vibrate. I am very happy having been given the chance to feel this spectacle with all my senses. True, it’s my first time, but surely not my last.”
And if you’re of the rare breed of person that doesn’t get a kick out of spotting the rich and famous, there’ll still be plenty to keep you entertained down at the BIC over the Grand Prix weekend.
Music fans will find pleasure in award winning London DJ Jim’ll Mixit who will be in the vending area to keep the party atmosphere going along with the talented six-piece Soul Glow band.
Dance enthusiasts will also have plenty to keep them happy with rock n’ roll and break-dancers performing a broad variety of routines while other entertainment will include Acro Artists, race simulators and sand sculptors.
It may be the Formula One Grand Prix Weekend but if racing isn’t your cup of tea, there’s no need to go into hibernation until it’s all over. Instead get yourself down to the BIC and have fun your way….
Marie-Claire
