BAHRAIN has completed preparations to welcome visitors for the largest global sporting event hosted by the kingdom.

This was announced in a statement yesterday by the Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), which operates and manages Bahrain International Airport (BIA), in anticipation of the 2023 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix to be held from March 3 to 5.

“BAC has planned ahead and co-ordinated closely with all partners involved in this event,” BAC Chief Airport Operations Officer Ali Rashid said.

“The surging popularity of motorsport globally, and the phenomenal turnout for last year’s race, are indicators for us to expect even more visitors this year. Accordingly, we have put measures in place to ensure that all visitors enjoy Bahrain’s renowned hospitality, a smooth airport journey, and the best customer experience possible at BIA.”

The BIA’s preparations include receiving participating teams as well as ‘hundreds of tonnes’ of materials and equipment being shipped for the event taking place at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), Sakhir.

Airport preparations were reviewed at a meeting between BAC and representatives from the Interior Ministry’s Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs, Customs Affairs and Airport Police, Gulf Air, other airlines, Hala Bahrain, and Bahrain Airport Services.

Meanwhile, the BIC also shared photos of cargo that has already started to arrive, ahead of the pre-season testing taking place at the Sakhir circuit this weekend, from February 23 to 25.

Alongside photos of cargo from the Mercedes, McLaren, Haas and AlphaTauri F1 teams, the BIC announced on Twitter: “Unboxing Presents #BahrainGP style! Preparations are in full swing for the upcoming F1 pre-season testing!”

F1 drivers have been arriving at BIA during the last few days, ahead of the pre-season testing, including McLaren’s Lando Norris, the Alfa Romeo duo of Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, and the Haas tandem of Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg.

Last year, there was a record attendance of 98,000 over the weekend, with 35,000 fans visiting on race day alone.

This year will mark the fifth time and third-in-a-row that the Bahrain Grand Prix will be the season’s opening race.

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