Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
THE race to woo F1 fans and families to the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) was formally launched with a press conference on Monday marking the annual 60-day countdown to the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix on April 19-21.
The circuit’s chief executive officer Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa was joined by his acting opposite number at the national airline, Maher Salman Al Musallam, to face the media.
‘Imagine your moment’ is the slogan organisers hope will help unite the nation and entice visitors from the region and further afield to Bahrain for a race weekend of sporting excitement on the track and international entertainment staged off-track.
“It conveys exactly the right message,” said Shaikh Salman. “It’s a beautiful weekend for everyone – memories are created and moments will be cherished by visitors for the rest of their lives.”
The concept came together after the track team started discussing the highlights of last season’s event and it soon became clear that everyone had their own special moments to treasure.
In 2007, the total economic impact on the kingdom during the three-day Formula One race weekend totalled a staggering $580million.
Since that heyday, the country has faced unrest, a race cancellation, a determined opposition campaign to prevent it taking place and with a sport so sensitive to timing, the marketing launch could not have come at a more challenging moment following last weekend’s disturbances and another round of international media Bahrain bashing.
Gulf Air is also flying through its own turbulent times with a difficult restructure in progress and would no doubt welcome the potential passenger boost generated by the race weekend.
“There is an obvious synergy between aviation and motorsport,” said Mr Al Musallam, “one that aims at reaching faster horizons and achieving better knowledge through implementing new technologies.
“Such synergy is also present between Gulf Air and the BIC as the two establishments constantly work towards encouraging and supporting the national economy and attracting businesses and investors to the kingdom through the series of activities they provide and the current challenges they face in this realm.
“This race has become a favourite among fans of motorsport around the world, and Gulf Air is proud to have the opportunity to bring in many first time visitors to the kingdom to attend the race and enjoy the array of tourist activities Bahrain has to offer, strengthening the airline’s position as a flying ambassador for sports.”
Shaikh Salman is keen to develop the race weekend’s non-stop family entertainment reputation and this year the BIC will play host to stage shows and bands with global appeal.
There are famous folk dance acts from China, Mexico, Brazil, Portugal and Egypt and even a bagpipe player from Scotland on hand to entertain the fans, to name but a few, plus a giant Kid’s Jungle Tent featuring acrobats, percussionists and camel explorers and for the fearless, a bungee rocket.
GP2 will be holding its second round of the season in Bahrain but the biggest draw will be the stars of F1 themselves in what looks set to be one of the most fascinating years in grand prix history. Will Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel take the crown for a fourth successive season, will Jenson Button come good again with McLaren or will Mercedes strike lucky with new recruit Lewis Hamilton? And, of course, Fernando Alonso’s Ferrari will want to prove a point or two. Those very thoughts are enticing enough.
The season starts in Australia on March 17. Things should be hotting up nicely when the fourth race is staged in Bahrain on April 21.
Tickets can be purchased at the BIC stands in Bahrain City Centre and Seef Mall, at the BIC Welcome Centre, online at www.bahraingp.com or by calling the BIC hotline on 17450000.
