Countdown to F1 spectacle

The 30-day countdown to the first open day for fans of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2023 was launched yesterday by the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) to hype up the excitement around the global motoring bonanza.

F1’s season-opening round will be held at ‘The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East in Sakhir from March 3 to 5, featuring thrilling action on and off the track.

Circuit doors will open to motoring enthusiasts from March 2, with three-day ticket-holders able to enjoy a behind the scenes view at the Pit-Lane Walk. Race cars will start revving their engines on March 3, with the main event, the 57-lap Bahrain Grand Prix, taking place under lights on March 5.

All throughout the weekend, there will be non-stop racing from morning to night as F1 will be supported by the FIA Formula 2 Championship, the FIA Formula 3 Championship and the Porsche Sprint Challenge Middle East.

The F2 and F3 championships will be staging the first rounds of their respective 2023 seasons in Bahrain, while the BIC-based Porsche Sprint Challenge will be holding the fifth and penultimate meeting of its 2022/2023 campaign.

Race-goers will also be able to enjoy all kinds of family attractions including carnival rides, roaming acts, stage shows, children’s activities and a spectacular live performance by multi-platinum-selling artist DJ Snake.

The French-Algerian producer, who has been making headlines with his electro dance, Arabesque and North African beats track Disco Maghreb, has accumulated more than 37 billion audio streams, 7bn YouTube views and 100 platinum single certifications during his career.

He will be taking to the main stage at BIC’s F1 Village vending area on the Friday night, and all those with tickets will be able to enjoy the concert at no extra cost.

Details about other artists to perform that weekend at the BIC and Al Dana Amphitheatre will be announced in the weeks leading up to the race.

BIC’s Early Bird offers have generated its best-ever sales as compared to previous years, and BIC’s Corporate Lounges are already sold out.

Those who buy their tickets before February 1 will be able to enjoy free access to the last two days of the F1 Aramco Pre-Season Testing 2023 from February 23 to 25 at the BIC.

The pre-season tests will see F1 teams and drivers out on track together in their new cars for the first and only time ahead of the 2023 season’s start.

BIC is also offering two hospitality options to the existing Paddock Club and corporate boxes, the latter of which has already been sold out.

The Champions Club and the Dome Lounge hospitality options are being unveiled for the first time at this year’s race weekend.

The Dome Lounge includes three-day access to a dedicated stand next to the BIC Dome located along the main straight, opposite the podium. The three-day Dome Lounge tickets, priced at BD300, will include complimentary food showcasing a mix of international cuisine and an exclusive range of beverages at the BIC Dome, a full programme of entertainment including DJs, roaming entertainers, and much more as well as access to the FashionTV after-party.

The Champions Club offers Beyon Grandstand trackside seating and access to The Champions Club lounge, located just below the seating, offering premium hospitality with gourmet food and more. There will also be an appearance from an F1 Media Personality or driver, an F1 executive question and answer session, a Guided Paddock Tour, a Grid Walk and an F1 Championship Trophy photo opportunity.

Following the record attendance at last year’s F1 spectacle, BIC is looking forward to welcoming the public for what is expected to be an even bigger turnout.

For details, call the BIC hotline on 17450000 or visit bahraingp.com for more.