The Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) is ready and waiting for the Formula One test sessions to start this weekend. The drivers and teams have arrived in the kingdom for a period of intense testing ahead of the new season.
With only weeks to go until the start of the 2009 FIA Formula One World Championship, Toyota, BMW and Ferrari have already started making their way to the award-winning desert circuit to test and tune their cars prior to the start of the season in Melbourne next month.
Martin Whitaker, chief executive officer of BIC, said: "It is wonderful to see Toyota, Ferrari and BMW make their way back to Bahrain for their testing sessions this weekend and it will be exciting to get a preview of what is to come this season. With many changes to the rules and regulations this year including the introduction of the Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS), new aerodynamics and a return to slick racing tyres, I'm sure this year will be like no other."
Welcoming all sporting visitors to the kingdom has been one of the initiatives that makes the BIC well known on the international scene and having a number of the F1 stars, such as 2008 runner-up Felipe Massa, in the kingdom once again makes the test at the BIC a thrilling precursor to the 2009 Formula One World Championship.
The Formula One testing sessions, which started at the BIC from yesterday and will run through February 19, include an open day for the public on Friday.
Fans will get to watch Ferrari, BMW and Toyota hit the BIC track for some intense pre-season preparations for BD1 for adults and 500fils for children.
Corporate guests and clients can also catch the action from the Paddock Club complete with luxurious catering and hospitality for BD65 per person.
For details and bookings contact the BIC hotline on +973 17450000 or visit www.bahraingp.com.