Princely vision of Formula One: Race to the future

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Formula One success proved Bahrain’s competence and efficiency in organising major international events.

Holding this important sporting event during the exceptional coronavirus pandemic across the world demonstrated the great potential and vast capabilities that Bahrain possesses in converting challenges into opportunities for success and in providing the appropriate environment to host global events.

The Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has played a fundamental role in positioning Bahrain as the region’s pioneer for motorsport, delivering the region’s first Formula One track launched to critical acclaim in 2004.

The first race took place at the Bahrain International Circuit on 4 April 2004. It made history as the first Formula One Grand Prix to be held in the Middle East and was given the award for the “Best Organised Grand Prix” by the FIA.

The vision of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister to build the first Grand Prix circuit in the Middle East here in the Kingdom of Bahrain was inspirational and has brought recognition from around the World.

As the “Home of Motorsport in the Middle East,” the BIC has an important and dominant role to play in the development of the sport throughout the region.

The Bahrain Grand Prix is the jewel in our crown and is the focal point of our year.

However, the circuit is a dynamic facility that is seen throughout the World as the benchmark for other circuits and sporting venues.

Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is an event that is becoming increasingly popular year-upon-year and is having a hugely positive effect on the economy of Bahrain and a beneficial impact on the entire Gulf.

Formula 1 has announced that the 2021 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix will take place on the weekend of March 26 to 28 as the second round of next year’s FIA Formula 1 World Championship.

This was part of a provisional calendar announced for the season, which has been submitted to the FIA’s World Motorsport Council for approval.

The desert racing spectacle returns to “The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East” in its usual slot amongst Formula 1’s season-opening “fly-away” races.

It follows the opening Australian Grand Prix, which is scheduled to be held the week before in Melbourne and will be followed by the Chinese Grand Prix on 11 April.

Bahrain’s race will be the first night race of the new campaign, with action being held along BIC’s 5.412-kilometre Grand Prix Track.