Manama, Bahrain, Monday 11th August, 2008: Gulf Finance House (GFH) is delighted to mark Bahraini Formula 3 star Hamad Al Fardan's arrival at GP2 Series Asia 2007 champions iSport International, by announcing its lead sponsorship of the team for  the 2008/9 season and beyond.  Al Fardan is one of the most successful  Arab drivers in the history of motor sport and the first to drive at this level.

The GP2 Series Asia benefits from a strong relationship with Formula 1 and acted as the support races on the 2008 program of the Asian Grands Prix.  Accordingly, this is a known proving ground for the elite F1 drivers of tomorrow and a crucial stepping stone in Al Fardan's career.

At the age of just 16, Al Fardan completed his first season in a single seater in the 2004 Formula BMW Asia Series.  His rise to prominence within the sport has coincided with and encouraged a huge surge in motor racing across the region.  Under the iSport banner, Al Fardan will make his GP2 series debut at the Shanghai International Circuit on October 8/9th of 2008.  GFH's continued support for Hamad is part of a broader campaign of initiatives in education, sport and business, designed to inspire talented and hard working young Bahrainis. 

GFH Chairman Esam Janahi commented on the announcement today saying, 'Hamad represents the kind of pioneering spirit that drives our business philosophy at GFH.   His achievements in motor sport offer huge inspiration to Bahrainis of all ages and the wider Arab community who, like us, continue to delight in his success.'

Commenting on the deal, iSport International Team Principal Paul Jackson said, 'Middle Eastern motor sport is a huge growth market and GFH is renowned as being one of it's principal cheerleaders.  So we're delighted to welcome their sponsorship of iSport in the forthcoming GP2 Asia Series.  Hamad is an exciting talent with the potential to become a national sporting star and that could find him behind the wheel if a Formula 1 car in the future.'

-Ends-

Gulf Finance House (GFH)
Founded in 1999, Gulf Finance House has grown rapidly to become one of the most respected investment banks in the Middle East region in terms of the quality and innovation of its product offerings. Over an eight-year period Gulf Finance House has successfully launched economic infrastructure development projects and investments with an aggregate end value exceeding US$20 billion and received numerous awards for its innovative approach to Islamic banking and finance. Its shares are actively traded on the London Stock Exchange (GDR), the Kuwait Stock Exchange, the Bahrain Stock Exchange and the Dubai Financial Market. 2007 was the most successful year in the banks' history, closing with a net profit of US$340 million, an increase of 61% compared to the previous year.

Reflecting its international reputation, Gulf Finance House has won numerous local and international awards, such as "Best Investment Bank" for three years in a row in 2005, 2006 and 2007, awarded by The Banker Middle East, "Bank of the Year 2006" awarded by the Arabian Business Magazine and "Best Islamic Real Estate Finance House" awarded by Euromoney. 

iSport International was formed in 2004 by Paul Jackson, Gavin Bickerton-Jones, Richard Selwin and Charles Cooley to compete in the newly formed GP2 Series. The GP2 Series was set up to run alongside Formula 1 to help develop the next generation of Formula 1 drivers.

With successful results from the first GP2 season in 2005, iSport became champions for the first time in 2007 after only three years. In 2008 iSport International competed in the first GP2 Asia Series. Having steadily built up to success in the GP2 Main Series, iSport International are now looking forward to a fresh challenge, new tracks and have high hopes for a successful 2008 in both Asia and Europe. 

:: 2007 GP2 Series - teams champions and drivers champion (Timo Glock)
:: 2006 GP2 Series - 3rd in Team Championship
:: 2005 GP2 Series - 4th in Team Championship

© Press Release 2008