Max Verstappen shines in Bahrain!

TDT | Manama                                                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The Kingdom of Bahrain celebrates “20 Years of a Modern Classic” tonight at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), and three-time defending Formula 1 drivers’ world champion Max Verstappen will be in pole position for the 20th anniversary F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.

The Red Bull superstar shone brightest under lights in F1 qualifying last night, setting a fastest lap of one minute 29.179 seconds in Q3 to narrowly beat out Charles Leclerc of Ferrari for the leading grid position.

The F1 weekend’s events in Sakhir are now set for a fantastic climax with the first-ever F1 Saturday night race at BIC.

Gates are scheduled to open to fans from 9am to 11pm, and plenty of racing along with the grand prix’s biggest-ever entertainment programme await fans.

A spectacular air show is set to take place as part of the pre-race festivities.

With the Kingdom of Bahrain celebrating its historic milestone in Formula 1 this year, this special air display has been organised as part of the exciting final buildup to the start of Bahrain’s 57-lap event.

The air show is scheduled for a 5.32pm start, and it can be enjoyed from all areas of the circuit.

Also taking place in the skies above BIC prior to lights out is the traditional Gulf Air fly-past, which will once again be thrilling for fans.

This aviation spectacle, now a favourite amongst race-goers every year, is set to start at 5.46pm.

Before these, fans will be treated to an F1 drivers’ parade starting at 4pm.

The F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2024 then flags off at 6pm.

Following all the action on track, Grammy-nominated DJ and producer Diplo will be performing live in a post-race, Saturday night concert.

All those attending F1 Race Day will be able to enjoy the show at no extra charge. Diplo’s performance is scheduled to begin at 9pm.

Aside from the concert, fans can also enjoy plenty more family entertainment, including thrilling carnival rides; kids’ shows featuring some of their favourite Nickelodeon characters such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Paw Patrol, and Shimmer and Shine; an extreme circus; roaming entertainers; an F1 Fanzone bringing race-goers closer to a unique F1 experience; and so much more.