Delivering best circuit for a global sport event

Manama : The F1 Fever has gripped the island. The sporting gala that has given the nation a strong grounding, is well under way. And after two days of heart-pounding practice sessions, breathtaking performances and a line-up of entertainment bits and acts, the final ‘race day’ is here. 

It has been a roaring success, as huge crowds flowed to the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) since Thursday, in hopes of not just enjoying the races, but also getting hooked to the celebratory ambience created at the venue. 

BIC Chief Executive, Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, shared a few words with DT News, on the amazing energy this year and why BIC attains the notable position of being ‘The Home of the Motorsport in the Middle East’. 

“It’s going really well; the excitement and energy is high and we have had great practice sessions”, he said, adding that the enthusiasm at the vending area has been quite notable since day one, as spectators rush in to see some of the most incredible performances by international artists.  

However, he said the smooth transition of events is the result of endless days and nights of work, careful planning and consistent co-ordination. 

“For Formula 1, we had put our plan in order by September itself, and the circuit is looking great; the paddock, the lights have given night racing a whole new meaning and we are hoping to conclude the F1 weekend in the most memorable way.” 

BIC is one of the leading players to have brought the grand event to Bahrain, giving a major boost to the tourism and economic sector. When asked if this adds pressure on the BIC management to make every year’s race bigger and better than its predecessor, Shaikh Salman said, “We have a great team who do a wonderful job. But we do plan in time and we do the best we can to give a circuit the stature of Formula 1, a major, global sport that has 200 million viewers. 

Hence it is our commitment to give a beautiful track that’s ready to take on this sport.”