2009 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix receives universal praise
BIC, Sakhir – Sunday, May 18, 2009:
As the dust settles on the 2009 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix the Bahrain International Circuit has been taking stock of the reaction to the sixth Formula One race to be staged in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the results are extremely impressive. The weekend’s attendance figures confirmed that 93,000 spectators packed into Bahrain International Circuit during the race weekend while almost 500 million people are expected to have watched the race in countries all over the world. Figures such as these demonstrate the true value of the Grand Prix in terms of awareness and economical impact, while the hospitality and friendliness of the Bahraini people once again impressed all the visiting teams, drivers and spectators.
Bahrain’s staging of the fourth round of the 2009 FIA Formula One World Championship underlined the “feel good” factor for Formula One after a number of races severely affected by bad weather as well as on-track and off-track notoriety. Not only did Formula One enjoy a great race in Bahrain, it also benefited from a circuit that was presented in the uniquely creative way and to the high level that the sport expects from the Kingdom. Whoever you were – spectator or armchair TV enthusiast – there was not a bad word to be said for the Grand Prix and the race concluded with the circuit’s reputation as the “Friendly Race” fully intact.
This year’s Grand Prix also established itself as the place to do business. During difficult economic times it is vitally important to develop new initiatives that will benefit the business community. Accordingly, both the Mumtalakat Bahrain Holding Company and the Economic Development Board used the race as a networking platform on which to communicate with its regional and international business visitors. Thereby creating new business opportunities and encouraging international business to take a fresh look at Bahrain. Endorsing this approach were the announcements of the EDB’s new annual partnership agreement with the BIC and the launch of the “@Bahrain” branding of the new Sakhir City Development Corporation business park.
In the aftermath of the race the circuit received numerous plaudits for its running and hosting. Most notable and rewarding were those from the Formula One teams and race organisers themselves, as these are the people who attend all the races and are therefore the best judges of a circuit’s performance. Year-on-year BIC and the Bahrain Motor Federation receive positive feedback from the teams and it is clear that Bahrain and the circuit are now entrenched as firm favourites on the 17 race Grand Prix calendar, not just for the organisation of the race but for the emphasis on family entertainment. “We were impressed by the level of professionalism of the Bahrain International Circuit team and the seamless organisation and high quality of the entertainment programme”, commented senior members of Bahrain’s Mumtalakat Holding Company, the investment arm of the Kingdom of Bahrain and parent company of Bahrain International Circuit.
Amongst the entertainment and line-up, over 20 Grand Prix and Formula One racing cars from Bernie Ecclestone’s own private collection provided a stunning exhibition throughout the weekend. The Grand Prix Heritage Collection was officially opened by His Highness Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Bernie Ecclestone. The rare and exclusive collection, never before seen in public, dazzled spectators and motorsport fans as they got to see first-hand some of the most famous racing cars ever built during Grand Prix racing’s 103-year history.
Television viewers from across the world witnessed the colour and heritage of Arabia through the beautifully adorned track, complete with the memorable image of the Field of Flags – 1,600 red and white flags laid out on a giant 59x36m space at the highpoint of the circuit depicting the national flag – and the 15 square kilometres of Arabic calligraphy on the circuit run-off areas spelling out ‘Bahrain’ in dramatic and contrasting style.
As hundreds of millions from across the world watched the nail-biting Formula One race weekend, and the further establishment of Jenson Button and the Brawn GP Team at the top of World Championship points table that has been turned up-side-down, there was plenty to be enjoyed by all those attending as Bahrain International Circuit once again organised a unique and family friendly three-day event complete with entertainment for the entire family and motorsport fans. The Formula One Village Vending Area was the epicentre of the event - quite different in atmosphere from anything else offered throughout the World Championship. The Village comes under the control of the sport’s rights holders Allsport Management. “It is always a great pleasure for all of us to spend time in Bahrain during the Grand Prix and to work with the [BIC’s] professional team” said Isabelle Kaufmann from Allsport Management. “None of us ever want to miss working at this Grand Prix”.
Adding his highly regarded support to BIC’s organisation was the legendary Sir Jackie Stewart, three times Formula One World Champion, team owner and commentator, who was suitably impressed. “I don’t think that there is another track in the world that is as well presented as BIC”, said Sir Jackie. He went on to say “Congratulations to all the team at BIC for the presentation skills that were involved in making the circuit look so fantastically well turned out, maintained and prepared for the Grand Prix weekend.”
To add to the weekend’s excitement, a treat was in store to all those attending as the legendary escapologist David Merlini broke the underwater world record in a specially constructed tank in front of a world wide live TV audience on the starting grid. His time of 21 minutes and 29 seconds was remarkable and added another “first” to BIC’s list of awards.
Merlini has redefined some of the famous Harry Houdini’s most dangerous escapes for the 21st century and pushed the limits of the human mind by driving himself to extreme physical limits beyond the endurance of ordinary human beings. Whether it be spending 33 hours frozen in ice while bound in a straight jacket; welded in a steel coffin that has been sunk to the bottom of the River Danube; strapped in a straight jacket under a speeding helicopter; launched with a missile; embedded in 3 tons of concrete, or welded into a burning car that was dropped 300 feet after being set on fire, Merlini has taken the craft of Houdini to new extremes.
“This truly was a remarkable and memorable Grand Prix” said Martin Whitaker, Chief Executive Officer of the Bahrain International Circuit. “In a year when the economic conditions were clearly going to have an effect on major events around the world it was vitally important that we stuck to what we know best; to lay on the best in family entertainment and to deliver value to our loyal fan base. The end result clearly demonstrated that we had achieved our objective and I would like to thank everyone involved in the running of such a successful Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. A special vote of thanks must go to all the spectators for supporting the race on what was an extremely hot weekend and to the thousands of willing helpers who made the race an event of which the Kingdom of Bahrain can be justifiably proud”, he commented. “Of particular note are the team at the Bahrain Motor Federation under the leadership of Shaikh Abdulla bin Isa along with its affiliated clubs such as the Marshals and Circuit Racing Clubs. Without this passionate team of people the event would not be the success it is”. In closing Whitaker thanked the team at BIC for “once again laying on an unforgettable and outstanding event, the largest sporting, business and social occasion in the Gulf, and ensuring Bahrain’s place at the very top of Grand Prix organisation”.
The date for the seventh running of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix has not yet been announced by the FIA but log on to www.bahraingp.com for all the latest news on the Grand Prix as well as the diverse range of corporate and retail events available at the BIC throughout the year.
For more information please contact Zahra Ali
z.ali@bic.com.bh Tel: +973 39522368
Bahrain International Circuit is the Home of Motorsport in the Middle East and centre for corporate and retail entertainment and hospitality. The circuit annually hosts the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, a round of the FIA Formula One World Championship, and other international motor races such as the Australian V8 Supercars and GP2 Asia Championships. The circuit is at the leading edge of local and regional race series with a world-class quarter mile Drag strip. Drag racing is a major sport in the region and the ALBA Bahrain National Drag Racing Championship is now one of the foremost series with competitors from all over the Gulf.
BIC is a natural venue for corporate hospitality and entertainment with over 400 events held each year at the track. The circuit can cater for groups both large and small on a diverse range of motoring on-track and off-track related activities. The “Kart Zone” is open three days a week and is a centre for individual and corporate karting as well as a venue for kart racing. Off-road enthusiasts can enjoy the region’s leading 4x4 course with its unique “Hummer Academy”; a location for desert driving, first aid and survival skills. BIC’s “Welcome Centre” is open every day of the year with a wide range of motor sport merchandise and clothing together with a coffee shop, information about the circuit and video games.
Bahrain International Circuit – The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East - an icon for the Kingdom of Bahrain and a centre for racing, entertainment and corporate hospitality.
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