Bahrain Grand Prix 'better than ever'

Dubai: Organisers of the Bahrain Grand Prix are expecting a much bigger and better interest when the third race in the 2007 FIA Formula One World Championship is held in Bahrain next month.

"We are preparing for what has become the biggest sporting and social occasion of the year.

"This is an event that continues to grow and to win over new fans among the communities of the Gulf region and the Middle East," said Martin Whitaker, General Manager of the Bahrain International Circuit.

Whitaker was accompanied by other top personnel from title sponsors Gulf Air at the annual road show normally held in neighbouring countries prior to the hosting of the race.

"We are privileged and honoured to have paved the way for Formula One racing in the Middle East," Whitaker added.

Abu Dhabi has been accepted by F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone as one of the latest venues, starting 2009.

Fan base

However, to avoid a clash in interests, the UAE's race will be held some time towards the end of the annual calendar.

"Honestly, we feel this is a very, very important development for the sport in the region.

"We feel the fan base is growing and this can only be good for Formula One racing.

"We welcome it and applaud it," Whitaker stated.

Rolling out figures, the BIC official stated how the event has had an economic impact on the Kingdom. "Last year, it was estimated that the worth of economic impact through the race reached $394 million," Whitaker said.

This is up drastically compared to the $100 million worth of economic impact in the inaugural hosting of the race in 2004, and the subsequent worth of $160 million in 2005.

"In addition, we have been able to create nearly 400 permanent jobs due to the race in Bahrain," he stated.

The Bahrain round of the F1 circuit has done well, starting off with an award for being the best organised race in the inaugural year in 2004.

Long-term contract

Last year, Bahrain roped in a few more awards for its marketing strategy, given the fact that an estimated 540 million watched the race last year.

"We have been able to get a long-term contract that runs past this present decade and well into the next decade," Whitaker stated.

"We are not anxious because Abu Dhabi will be organising a race soon. We are not worried at all as we feel the race will do an awful lot for the region," Whitaker stated.

The 2007 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix will be held from April 13-15 with the Porsche Michelin Supercup, the GP2 and Lumina CSV Championship Middle East acting as the support races on the weekend.

The Bahrain round of the F1 circuit has done well, starting off with an award for being the best organised race in the inaugural year in 2004. Last year, Bahrain roped in a few more awards for its marketing strategy, given the fact that an estimated 540 million watched the race last year...