Looking beyond its first success last year, the Bahrain International Circuit has now prepared its superb track to host the best drivers in the world
Last year, 04-04-04 spelt magic for the tiny kingdom of Bahrain. Making history by becoming the first venue in the Middle East to host a Formula One race was the prerogative. However, the task lay in hanging onto something called sweet success.
Bahrain did so on practically all counts. Not only was the superb track ready to host the best drivers in the world, a day later the country was basking in the glory of having achieved something the entire region had been dreaming about for so many years.
Next came the rewards and awards for gaining such success. The most prominent among these undoubtedly was the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), winning the outstanding Race Promoters Trophy award for the best organised round of the 2004 FIA Formula One World Championship late last year in Monte Carlo.
Winning accolades
However, with these accolades also came a resolve to transform this years race into something better by taking it a step higher. And the team behind the Bahrain Grand Prix 2005 has been doing exactly that. Over the past few months, they have been tirelessly putting together something better than what was on offer during the inaugural version on April 4, 2004.
Our work and planning for this race started the same day when we finished last years race, says Shaikh Salman Bin Eisa Al Khalifa, Governmental Affairs and Public Relations Director for the BIC.
The Bahrain Grand Prix will carry all the interest and enthusiasm of the previous race in addition to a special and unique scent derived from our intensive experience which lasted a year since the first Formula One race, says Martin Whitaker, BIC General Manager.
There can be no doubt about this pledge. Tickets for this race have been in heavy demand, and organisers, led by Shaikh Salman himself, have travelled to strategic places in the region to spread the racing message of Bahrain. Lebanon and Kuwait came first, followed by the UAE. Spectator interest in the Bahrain race has definitely grown, says Shaikh Salman.
Bahrain has alot to gloat about this time. Ever since putting up the $150 million (about Dh552 million), track before the worlds best drivers last year, Bahrain has seen the benefits for itself.
Not only has interest among the spectators and fans grown, we have young drivers from the region who have suddenly started eyeing motor racing as a career, he says.
Packed calendar
But how exactly have the organisers prepared themselves to host an even better event this year? The answer for this lies in the 12 months gone by. With one of the best tracks in the world at their disposal, the BIC has latched onto a highly ambitious awareness campaign.
Weve termed ourselves the home of motor sport in the Middle East, says Shaikh Salman.
This is no vain boast. During the past few months, the BIC has played host to some prestigious challenges and competition. The circuit welcomed two international races the F3 SuperPrix Race and the Bahrain GT Festival Race.
With these international events sustaining media attention on the Kingdom, other smaller events such as the MECar Championship, the hugely popular drag racing and the Mini Cooper Challenge have played their part in keeping the BIC occupied through most of last season. Quite a task, when one considers the summer heat, when no competition is possible for nearly four months.
The BMW Williams F1 team launched its team livery in Bahrain at the beginning of this season, making it the first F1 team to be launched in the Middle East. These are signs that we are on the right track, says Shaikh Salman.
The FIA award, generous comments and praise by some of the best drivers and officials involved with motor sport. What more can we ask for?
These are clear indicators. Last year was the first time we were up against some of the top organisers for the sport. And we came out of it winning the award in the bargain. Its a good feeling, but more importantly, it conveyed to us we were on the right track, he says.
Educative role
Part of the BIC role lies in educating people, not merely from Bahrain, but from the entire Middle East. It is with this aim that BIC prepared the agenda to concentrate on teaching the safety aspects of driving.
BMW was quick to assist by opening a performance centre at the BIC, the first of its kind in the Middle East and second in the world.
For the first time, the BMW centre unites the programmes of the Formula BMW Racing Centre and the BMW Driver Training.
One of the sore points during last years inaugural race was a voice of disapproval from a majority of the drivers regarding the tricky fourth corner.
The organisers have ensured this corner has been widened and all the bonded cement and sand removed and replaced by sand- coloured asphalt to enable cars to return back to the track after going off.
Final touches
Due attention has also been paid to spectators and dignitaries coming in to watch the race this year. Alot of emphasis has been laid on the Oasis theme with new date palms being planted throughout the Formula One paddock.
Similar modifications have been carried out in the spectator areas behind the Main Grandstand to create a relaxing environment for the fans, teams, drivers, engineers, technicians and guests.
Eight new giant television screens will be installed, with three being directly opposite the Main Grandstand on the roof of the Pit Lane.
Ticket prices have also been reduced substantially. Last year, the open area ticket cost $100 (about Dh368). This year, with the same price, the spectator can get a shaded Grandstand seat, says Shaikh Salman.
Crucial role
Dubai plays a crucial role in this entire game plan of putting together yet another successful race. With its proximity to Bahrain, the organisers are expecting a sizeable crowd to show up on race day directly from the UAE.
The UAE is a strategic destination for us. It is a regional platform for us to convey our message, he says.
Besides, Dubai holds the advantage of being the regional hub for a fast-growing automobile industry. Dubai not only hosts a string of launches of the latest automotive products, but is also home to the official invitation sent out to test drive the latest and most technologically advanced cars in the world.
Headquartered in Dubai, Shaikh Maktoum Hasher Maktoums A1 Grand Prix is also set to roll off this September. All this adds to the profile, says Shaikh Salman.
In the first year, the race just happened. This year, we want the race to be one for the entire family. We are targeting people from the entire Middle East. We are not thinking merely about Bahrain. Its beyond all this. We are here for the entire region.
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