Racing world set to descend on Sakhir for ‘A New Era’ in F1

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Staff Reporter

It’s time for celebration for all motorsport fans as the start of the world’s greatest racing championship is round the corner.

Fun and festivities will fill the air as there are not many days left for the engines to roar again at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir for the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2022, which kicks off this year’s FIA F1 World Championship.

The sporting and entertainment spectacle is set for this Friday to Sunday at BIC, with plenty to enjoy on and off the race track. Ramshankar M, an avid motorsport fan, said he just can’t wait until the weekend though the intense longing has almost ended. “I am part of a Facebook group comprising ardent motorsport fans. We are all excited as the Formula One race is at the doorsteps,” he said. He added the group has maximum supporters for Lewis Hamilton, followed by Max Verstappen and others. “All group members are desperately waiting for the autograph signing day when they get to see their superstars.”

This year’s Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is set to be a once-in-a-lifetime occasion for motorsport, as it ushers in “A New Era” in F1 following the introduction of sweeping new regulations in the top flight.

Milestone

Earlier, speaking to The Daily Tribune, BIC Chief Executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa said: “We are very much excited as the event is going to create a milestone in F1 history. “New cars and all technologies that make racing better are in place.”

Magicians, dancers, musical acts and all kinds of unique performers are a part of the roaming entertainment line-up at this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix.

These entertainers from around the world are all part of the family-friendly off-track programme that awaits fans attending the highly anticipated race weekend, which will have a vibrant, festival-like atmosphere on all three days at BIC’s F1 Village vending area.

The colourful and charming roaming characters who will be engaging with fans and putting a smile on everyone’s faces include Katastrofa Clown, Papito, Pop the Balloon Man, Toy Brigade, The Eccentrics and Travelling Fun Fair.

All these much-beloved artists are joining the other roaming performers including Abraham Thill, Aras Stilt Band, the Joker group, Colour Dancers, Dr Bubbles, Funky Style Band and Jam Batucada at the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix.

To add to the roaming acts, BIC’s spectacular entertainment programme will be highlighted by the back-to-back concerts on Friday night when globally renowned DJs Don Diablo and Afrojack take to the stage for separate live performances.

There are also the Ferris Wheel and Ghost Rider for all to ride and experience an adrenaline-pumping thrill.

Pit Lane Walk

Furthermore, all those with three-day tickets to the race weekend can attend the F1 Pit Lane Walk on Thursday night from 6 pm to 7.30 pm.

There, they will be able to see the F1 teams up close in their garages, and maybe even spot one of the sport’s superstar drivers.

BIC has also organised an Autograph Session for Saturday from 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm next to the Main Stage of BIC’s F1 Village vending area.

Fans will be able to meet all 20 F1 drivers in person.

For those wishing to attend this weekend’s Grand Prix, there are limited tickets available which can be purchased online at BIC’s official website bahraingp.com or by calling the BIC Hotline on +973-17-450000.

Tickets are also available at the BIC to stand in City Centre Bahrain.

Ticket discounts are available for children aged three to 12 years old at 50 per cent off, with reductions also available for students, people of determination and senior citizens.

The F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2022 is set to be a historic, once-in-a-lifetime event as it ushers in “A New Era” in F1.

Fans in the Kingdom will have the privilege of being the first in the world to experience the pinnacle of motorsport like it was never before seen.

Facility

Located in the heart of the Sakhir desert, BIC is a unique and contemporary facility that is synonymous with the highest levels of global motorsport.

Featuring five different track layouts, the circuit first saw life in 2004 when the first-ever F1 Grand Prix took place in the country, making it the first-ever track in the Middle East to host the F1 World Championship.

BIC continues to host staggering crowds and a wide range of events and activities, and serves as a platform that encourages motorsports in the country.

Designed by the renowned German engineer Hermann Tilke, the circuit incorporates many features of local culture.

Costing approximately $150million, the entire facility took less than 18 months to build – quite a feat considering the massive undertaking that was needed to develop the land.

BIC’s 5.412-kilometre Grand Prix Track regularly hosts international races, including the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, the FIA World Endurance Championship, and a host of other global, regional and national series.