Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
A MAGNIFICENT superhero will help the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) soar to greater heights and win over the hearts of thousands of motor sport fans for many years to come.
And YOU could help name the kingdom's mighty mascot who will soon become a celebrity across the world when the Formula One bandwagon rolls into town in April.
Readers of GulfWeekly and our sister Arab-language newspaper Akhbar Al Khaleej have been exclusively offered the chance to name the charismatic character.
Simply suggest a name by emailing name@tradearabia.net and a panel of race and media executives will decide on the most appropriate entry.
If more than one reader comes up with the chosen name a draw will be held ... and the winner will receive a fabulous prize of tickets for a family of four to this year's F1 spectacular which takes place at the Sakhir circuit on April 24, 25 & 26.
Munira Rashid Al Doseri, BIC's marketing executive, said: "We actually came up with the idea of having a mascot after seeing the huge success of the kangaroo mascot during last year's Australian V8 event.
"Bruce, the kangaroo, was everywhere and anyone who saw him immediately associated it with the V8. So first we thought why not have a mascot to represent the F1? But, then we thought, no, let's go bigger! We decided to create a mascot for the BIC that can be used all year round and not just for international events.
"This mascot will be incorporated in letter heads, advertising campaigns and merchandise. You will see it everywhere!
"When you see the mascot, everyone will know that's BIC. It reflects our colours and our high standards. We are thinking of inflating the mascot and placing him around Bahrain.
"The mascot is nice, clean and cool - a true racer. This will be a strong marketing tool for us but a mascot is of no use without a fitting name!"
The mascot will play a key role in helping to market the traditional 'home of motor sport in the Middle East' and the message that the Bahrain International Circuit is where 'the heart is' as far as the annual F1 carnival is concerned despite the arrival of a new circuit to be opened soon in Abu Dhabi.
The character was created for a promotional campaign put together by the BIC and Fortune Promoseven agency in order to raise the circuit's profile.
Martin Whitaker, the BIC's chief executive officer, is particularly proud of the arena's family atmosphere which has built up over six years and believes the mascot will add to its charm.
And many believe the character merchandise will become the 'must have' Christmas stocking filler and Eid present for children on the island this year! Buzz off Lightyear ... our mascot is after your crown!
