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DELIGHTED organisers of this year’s grand prix jamboree are slipping into serious negotiation gear to ensure a bright and prosperous future for the annual event in the kingdom.
Exciting times lie ahead for motorsport fans as the circuit’s chief executive, Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al-Khalifa, confirmed that Bahrain is in Formula One for ‘the long term’.
A total of 33,000 spectators turned up on Sunday at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), and 93,000 over the three-days, both records. Furthermore, the Paddock Club and corporate boxes were sold out for the first time ever giving plenty of reasons to light up the night sky with a fireworks display.
It’s set to get even better in the future, as talks are ongoing with Formula One’s new owners, Liberty Media, to extend the current multi-year deal, the finer details of which remain under wraps.
Race winner Sebastian Vettel will not be the only one opening a bottle of fizzy pomegranate rose water in celebration if a new long-term deal can be struck.
Shaikh Salman told GulfWeekly: “The BIC is in this sport for the long term, and we have many years to go with our contract with F1. Bahrain established itself as the home of motorsport in the region, and we will continue to act on that promise for as long as possible.
“This year has been the most exciting yet. We are extremely happy with the entertainment package, including the concerts and the other activities. I must congratulate the team as it has been fantastic and the best we’ve had.”
This sentiment was echoed by Arif Rahimi, chairman of the BIC, who held numerous meetings with Chase Carey, the CEO of the commercial rights holder, the Formula One Group, over the weekend.
Arif said: “We welcome Liberty and the new senior team at F1 to Bahrain, with whom we have already established a strong working relationship.
“Whilst it is clearly early stages, we have been encouraged by the fact that Liberty has already committed to an agenda which is focused on maximising the experience for fans. Liberty also recognises that in order to achieve the best fan experience, it involves building partnerships with everyone involved in the sport, creating an aligned vision.
“Whilst we are pleased that our race continues to grow every year, there are always improvements which can be made and we are particularly keen to work with the rights holder to grow our presence as a global sport.
“As a promoter with a long-term commitment to F1, without doubt there are major opportunities to work with Liberty to grown the sport in Bahrain and reach out to new audiences, both geographically but also in how we communicate with them.”
The attendance figures were a major fillip for the organising team, as this continued the streak of breaking the records every year since the popular decision was made to shift the grand prix to a night race.
Shaikh Salman added: “The crowds here have yet again been treated to an incredible weekend of motorsport. The spectacle of racing under lights in the desert has without doubt been made even better with the new faster cars, combined with a hugely competitive field.
“Putting on a race weekend of this nature is a major undertaking and I thank all those involved for making it such as success.”
No one will be prouder of its continued success than His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, who had the vision and determination to turn a dream into reality after what has been described as ‘a chance meeting’ in 1997 with retired British racing ace, Sir Jackie Stewart, as reported earlier in GulfWeekly.
The Crown Prince handed the prize Bahrain grand prix trophy to this year’s winner Vettel on the podium before he was soaked in celebrations.
The BIC came up with a specially-brewed fruit drink made from locally-produced pomegranate mixed with rose water and carbonated water to give it the necessary fizz to ensure the drivers could celebrate in cultural style.
The drink, called Al Waard, is mixed in Bahrain and sent to South Africa for bottling and has proved a winner with the fastest men on the planet ever since. Both Michael Schumacher, who won in Bahrain in 2004, and Fernando Alonso who won the following year, agreed after showering themselves with the delicacy that they “loved the smell” and couldn’t get enough of it.
According to former champions the drink’s sweet smell reminds them of the ‘true essence’ of Bahrain and the desert.
