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Bahrain Radio and Television Corporation has been awarded the rights to be the official broadcaster of the 2009 FIA Formula One World Championship in the Middle East and North Africa it was announced this week.
The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Bahrain International Circuit. Those attending the press conference were informed that the Kingdom's national broadcaster would have the rights to broadcast the entire Formula One season throughout the Middle East and North African territories starting from the first round in Melbourne, Australia.
Shaikh Rashid bin Abdul Rahman Al Khalifa, chief executive officer of BRTC, extended his thanks and appreciation to His Majesty King Hamad, the Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and the Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa for their efforts to boost the kingdom's profile through the hosting and organising of one of the biggest sporting events in the world such as the Formula One World Championship.
He added that he was delighted to see Bahrain Television become the official broadcaster to the region.
Shaikh Rashid said: "I would like to thank all those who have been involved for their commitment to Formula One and for giving Bahrain Television the opportunity to become engaged in increasing motorsport knowledge and building up the fan base throughout the 2009 season. As the first race of the season lies just days ahead, we look forward to giving our local and regional viewers the best possible coverage of a championship that the kingdom has become so deeply engrossed in."
Martin Whitaker, chief executive officer of Bahrain International Circuit, said: "The FIA Formula One World Championship is the largest and most watched sporting series in the world. The only events that are bigger than F1 are the Olympic Games and the Fifa World Cup. However, these events take place once every four years while Formula One is active throughout the year - every year."
Having seen the F1 World Championship make a home for itself in the kingdom in 2004, this move now sees Bahrain expand coverage to the motor sport fan base across the region.
Whitaker said: "Bahrain TV's role in being the official broadcaster of the FIA Formula One World Championship in the Middle East and North African territories is significant to say the least. Broadcasting the most watched sport on television is a massive opportunity to promote Bahrain and the tourism and business opportunities that exist in both the kingdom and the region. Last year's Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix was the second most watched race on the calendar and the race saw a sell-out crowd with over 47,000 people in the circuit on race day."
He added: "The kingdom becomes the focal point of the sporting world during the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix and audience figures for the race weekend exceed 500 million people around the world. Coupled with direct and indirect economic impact figures on the kingdom approaching $560 million during race week this makes Bahrain's round of the FIA Formula One World Championship extremely valuable and demonstrates the massive potential of the race to both the country and the region in general."
Throughout the year viewers will also be able to tune into the Formula BMW Series, Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, GP2 Asia Series as well as the Australian V8 Supercar Championship Series. Forming a platform for motorsport coverage in the kingdom, and the region, Bahrain Television will continue to broadcast local races and championships over the racing season.
