Manama, Bahrain - 16 March 2006 - Arab singing sensation Ragheb Alameh beat out a host of regional and international celebrities to take third place on the podium in the Pro-Celebrity Race at this week's Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix.

Racing identical Chevrolet Lumina CSV's, celebrity drivers including five-time Olympic rowing gold medalist Sir Steve Redgrave, world-record setting sprinter Michael Johnson, Arab recording artist Elissa and Bollywood heart throb Salmaan Khan went head to head at the Bahrain International Circuit in a true test of race craft.

Sir Steven Redgrave and Nick Mason took out first and second positions respectively.

The source of the racing gene that lies at the heart of every Chevrolet Lumina, the Lumina CSV (Chevrolet Special Vehicle) is a race-bred performance vehicle, combining power, performance, style and intelligent technology in one awe-inspiring package.

Motor sport enthusiasts across the region will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the remarkable capabilities of the new racing model, when the Lumina CSV Championship kicks off later this year.  Featuring the Lumina CSV models showcased in Bahrain this week, the new regional formula racing series will be facilitated by the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) and is set to tour the race circuits of the GCC, pitting driver against driver in a true test of race craft.

The Lumina CSV Championship is open to all.  Prospective race teams can purchase a start-up package from BIC which will provide a Chevrolet CSV, mechanical & technical support and the infrastructure of the race series itself.

-Ends-   

Chevrolet is the largest division of General Motors. Founded in 1911, Chevrolet fulfils the transportation needs of millions of people daily around the world - one out of every 15 vehicles sold around the world today is a Chevrolet.

In the Middle East, Chevrolet has a strong heritage stretching back around eight decades. Today Chevrolet brings the most comprehensive range of value vehicles to customers across the region, offering superlative excitement, strong personality, value for money, safety and security from a brand that has long been a trusted partner in the region.   

Chevrolet boasts the widest range of passenger cars in the Middle East, from the cost effective entry-level Spark, Aveo, Optra and Epica models to the iconic Corvette, full-size Caprice and Lumina sedans and the all new Captiva, TrailBlazer, Tahoe and Suburban SUV models. In 2005, regional sales of Chevrolet were up by 22% to 73,276 units over the previous year.

For more information:
Saada Hammad
Communications and Public Relations Manager
General Motors Middle East              
Tel (+9714) 3143350    
e-mail saada.hammad@gm.com       

© Press Release 2006