F1 spectacle flags off today in Bahrain!

TDT | Manama                                                          

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The wait is finally over! The highly anticipated Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2024 gets underway today (Feb 29) at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), officially kicking off the 2024 FIA F1 World Championship and the Kingdom of Bahrain’s 20th anniversary celebrations in motorsport’s top flight.

The global spotlight will be shining on “The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East” as F1’s superstar drivers hit the track for the first time this race weekend, showcasing “20 Years of a Modern Classic."

BIC will be welcoming fans from 9am and gates will remain open until 11pm. Spectators will be able to enjoy a full day’s programme of racing and entertainment, highlighted by the two F1 practice sessions.

The first is scheduled to flag off at 2.30pm in daytime conditions, and then the second will take place at 6pm under BIC’s bright, state-of-the-art floodlights. The two F1 practices will be held over an hour apiece.

All 10 F1 teams will be putting their contenders through their paces to get them ready for the season’s first qualifying session tomorrow, which will be preceded by a third practice. Qualifying will determine the grid for the first-ever Saturday night race in Bahrain—the weekend’s 57-lap main event, marking the culmination of a historic occasion in Sakhir as well as the long-awaited start to the new F1 campaign.

The racing this weekend is being complemented by world-class off-track entertainment, headlined by the live musical performances of globally renowned industry icons, including a Friday night concert by multi-platinum Grammy Award-winning artist Zedd and a post-race Saturday night concert by superstar DJ and producer Diplo.

There are thrilling carnival rides and kids’ shows featuring favourite Nickelodeon characters such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Paw Patrol, and Shimmer and Shine.