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The campaign to bring Formula One back to Bahrain is hotting up after readers rallied to this newspaper's call to convince F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone that the kingdom is anxious to host a glorious grand prix later this year.
Bahrain wants to welcome back drivers, teams and race fans from across the globe to the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) after political unrest caused the cancellation of the season's opening event.
Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro interrupted his official engagement on Monday unveiling the new Alosra Supermarket in Amwaj to pick up a copy of the nation's favourite weekly and sign our Page One petition, saying: 'All the best to a newspaper we are proud of.'
The support for GulfWeekly's F1 initiative has been overwhelming with VIPS, dignitaries, business executives and celebrities joining ordinary race fans of all ages to make their feelings known.
Dr Fakhro said: 'It is vitally important to show the world that Bahrain is back in business and ready to welcome visitors for a grand prix in 2011.
'We promise to give Mr Ecclestone and FIA officials, drivers, teams and motorsport fans a traditional warm Bahraini welcome.
'The businesses of Bahrain and its people are geared up and more than ready to stage this important global showcase event and I fully support GulfWeekly's endeavours to pass on this message.'
His comments have been echoed across the kingdom. Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, BIC's chief executive officer's message to Mr Ecclestone, said: 'Bahrain has built a brand name for Formula One since 2004. We would love to continue to be the friendly race and make you proud.'
The Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir has also created a stir by staging a successful community-uniting gathering of motorsport fans last weekend.
The first-ever 'National Racing Finals' attracted thousands of fans by bringing two of the kingdom's most popular local racing series together - the BIC 2000cc Challenge and the Bahrain National Drag Racing Championship.
A group of fans also opened a book for the public to sign supporting the rescheduling of the 2011 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.
The message to Bernie, the FŽdŽration Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), racing teams and drivers is crystal clear ... Bahrain wants F1!
