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The Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir will open its doors this weekend with a wide variety of activities.

On Friday, motor racing fans will get the opportunity to bring their very own road cars or motorbikes and drive onto the same Formula One race track. Timings include from 9am to 5pm, 9am to noon or 1pm to 5pm. Half-day packages can be purchased for BD50.

For BD12 enthusiasts can take advantage of a Lumina V8 passenger ride.

Visitors can also step up to the challenge of driving a powerful 4x4 Hummer along an off-road desert terrain that has 32 obstacles of rock, sand and water. Guests can choose between a Hummer H2 of 325hp and a Hummer H3 of 220hp. A qualified instructor will take the participants through a maze of gravity-defying hurdles. The off-road drive can be purchased for BD65.

On Saturday, race fans can opt for the Caterham Xtreme for BD115.

The Kart Zone will be open every day throughout the weekend from 3.30pm to 10.30pm.

Prices start from BD4 for children and BD5 for adults for 10 minutes of racing. Track times can be extended to up to an hour.

For details contact 17450000 or visit www.bahraingp.com

As part of the 'Festival Italiano 2011' to be held from January 29 to February 11, a premiere exhibition of a six-painting collection dating to the Renaissance period to be flown from Italy.

This important Art Collection showcasing works of famous 16th century painters from two regions of the north of Italy, Lombardy and Veneto will be the first of its kind in the Gulf and is expected to attract a significant number of art admirers. Well-known names such as Tiziano, Jacopo Tintoretto, Paris Bordon, Sebastiano Del Piombo, Giulio Campi e Pietro Della Vecchia will be displayed for the first time in Bahrain, approximately for two weeks, at the Bahrain National Museum, opening on February 3.

The six paintings are portraits of historic personalities, among them a Venetian Doge, a prelate, a noblewoman, a painter, reflecting the epoch which is considered a landmark in the development of world painting and in the history of figurative arts in general.

The festival will also include other cultural and social moments. There will be a Cinema review, featuring recent releases from Italian directors to be held at the Dana Mall Cinema and the Bahrain Cinema Club, starting January 30. Events dedicated to Italian Cuisine and a special presentation will be made by renowned chefs.

The premiere of the Italian Grand Ball will be prepared during the week through dance classes and conferences, and an Opera night : "Venice: the music reflects in the sea2 at the Cultural Hall on February 11.

AN exhibition of a six-painting collection dating back to the Renaissance period will be flown from Italy as part of the 'Festival Italiano 2011' to be held from January 29 to February 11.

This important collection showcasing works of famous 16th Century painters from two regions of the north of Italy, Lombardy and Veneto, will be the first of its kind in the Gulf and is expected to attract a significant number of art admirers.

Well-known names such as Tiziano, Jacopo Tintoretto, Paris Bordon, Sebastiano Del Piombo, Giulio Campi e Pietro Della Vecchia will also be displayed for the first time in the kingdom at the Bahrain National Museum from February 3.

The six paintings are portraits of historic personalities including a noblewoman and a painter which is considered a landmark work in the history of figurative arts in general.

The festival will also include other cultural and social moments. There will be a cinema review, featuring recent releases from Italian directors to be held at the Dana Mall Cinema and the Bahrain Cinema Club, starting January 30. Events will also be dedicated to Italian cuisine and a special presentation will be made by renowned chefs.

The premiere of an Italian Grand Ball will be prepared during the week through dance classes and conferences as well as an opera night entitled 'Venice: the music reflects in the sea' at the Cultural Hall on February 11.

Studio Ceramics in Budaiya is hosting a series of art and craft classes.

Thursday

Clay hand building for adults 9am-2pm, Enamelling for Beginners all ages, 7-10pm.

Saturday

Silver Clay jewellery workshop for adults 9am-2pm, Fun with Clay (ages 6+) 4-6pm.

Sunday

Aboriginal Decoration on Ceramics for adults 8.30am-1pm, Clay hand building all ages 7-9.30pm.

Monday

Specialist techniques for ceramic painting for adults 9am-1.30pm

Tuesday

Paint your own Pottery, 9.30am-6pm

January 26

Paint your own Pottery, 9.30am-9pm

January 27

Paint your own Pottery, 9.30am-6pm

January 29

Paint your own Pottery, 9.30am-6pm

For details contact 17599026.