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A legendary racing driver has spoken about the chance encounter with a member of the Bahrain royal family which helped spark the kingdom’s love affair with Formula One and set the wheels rolling on creating the home of motor sport in the Middle East.

DJ too sick to press play

Music fans in Bahrain are facing disappointment yet again, as another internationally-renowned artist has cancelled his gig at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in the wake of surgery.

Mercedes powers ahead

With two wins from two races under their belt in the new Formula One season, Mercedes are powering confidently toward another speedster’s paradise in Bahrain this week, albeit with a watchful eye on fast-improving rivals Red Bull.

Excited students give store ideas

Students of the St Christopher’s Infant and Junior School in Saar have been busy decorating panels outside the soon-to-open Alosra Supermarket in Al Nakheel Centre with colourful drawings, writes Mai Al Khatib-Camille.

A racy look for Formula One

What do I wear to the F1 race? This is the loaded question I have asked many around Bahrain and have feverishly ‘Googled’ in order to take out the guesswork and list some important things to consider when preparing for this highly-anticipated sporting (and fashion) event.   1. Dress comfortably: Keep away from three-inch heels that have you suffering in silence (unless you swear you were born wearing stilettos); just stick to kitten heels or flats. If you absolutely need the height then opt for platforms or wedges. Keep cool in cotton in the new spring/summer colours and you will beat the heat.  2. Build your wardrobe: The first day is for practise sessions so you can dress more casually – think trousers, a smart-fitting denim or jean skirt with a race tee and matching team cap. The second day is qualifying so you can dress a bit more formal with a maxi dress or a stretch skirt with a billowy blouse or sundress. Save your best outfit for race day. 3. Hand bags: It’s amazing what a women can fit into her handbag and most will try to bring everything but the kitchen sink so keep it light and pack only the essentials: sunscreen, lip balm, lip-stain to keep the colour on, facial blotting wipes, wet-wipes, eye-drops, mini-hairspray, small compacts (powder and eye-shadow retouch), hair tie and mini-sewing kits for wardrobe mis-haps. Think over-the-shoulder handbags so you are not fiddling with your purse and its contents all the time. 4. Weather: Forecasters suggest we might get a mix of sunshine and bad weather this weekend but we’ll only to know for sure when it comes. I suggest you come prepared for both by bringing a hat and shades for the sun and a light rainproof jacket or poncho for the night race.   5. Racing gear: If you plan on wearing a racing suit do us all a favour and make sure that it is tailored for you and fits properly so that you are not looking like a stuffed sausage. For Ferraristas the Ferrari store receives its stock in today and it has everything from T-shirts to teddy bears. 6. Hair: Bring a headband, head scarf and hair ties in case there are gusts of wind. Don’t go all out and get an up-do that may turn into a weather-born ‘blowout’.

2014 F1 drivers and team prospects

Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel are chasing their fifth successive constructors’ and drivers’ championships in the 19 race season that started in Australia on March 16. The following considers the prospects of the 11 teams.l Prefixes denote numbers drivers will have on their cars.