MANAMA: Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) kick starts the final 30-day countdown to Race Day at the 2014 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix weekend.
The Formula One extravaganza takes place April 4-5-6 in Sakhir. It will be the third of 19 rounds in this year’s FIA Formula One World Championship.
The landmark 10th edition of the Bahrain race will be held at night for the first time, flagging off at 6pm. It will be marking the 10th anniversary celebrations of BIC, “The Home of motorsport in the Middle East”, in grand and spectacular fashion.
BIC recently played host to two weeks of Formula One pre-season testing, giving local motor racing supporters an exclusive sneak peek at the 2014 cars ahead of the start of the 2014 season.
Fans are now ready for the real deal and the anticipation continues to reach fever pitch.
“The excitement builds, as we commence our count down to the 2014 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix,” BIC Chief Executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, said.
“This year celebrates a couple of milestone moments for us – the 10th anniversary of Formula One in Bahrain, in addition to it being our first night race – both, a testament to what can happen with passion and a big dream.
“The last two weeks of pre-season testing here at BIC were extremely well received by both the teams and fans, giving us yet another opportunity to do what we do best, in an environment that we love.
“April 4-5-6 will bring a weekend of incredible racing action and lots of celebration. We look forward to seeing you there.”
The lighting system will brighten up BIC’s 5.412-kilometre track brilliantly, offering all race-goers and the millions of spectators on TV a visual spectacle like never before seen in Bahrain.
The Formula One action will be complemented by two exciting support championships, namely the GP2 Series and the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East.
GP2, widely accepted as Formula One’s chief feeder series, will be staging the first round of its 2014 season at BIC. The Porsche GT3 Cup, on the other hand, will be holding an exhibition round.
There will be a wide array of entertainment activities off the race track catered to the whole family.
These will be highlighted by three concerts featuring major regional and international performers, including Swedish DJ and producer Avicii, legendary rock band The Scorpions, and Saudi Arabian pop star Rabeh Saqer.
Avicii and The Scorpions will be playing back-to-back concerts on the Saturday night (April 5) of the Grand Prix weekend, while Saqer will be taking to the stage on the Friday night.
BIC has also put together an exciting programme of children’s activities. This year popular British TV character Shaun the Sheep will be having his very own tent, where all sorts of fun games can be enjoyed.
There will also be an “Island Fanta-Sea” tent, especially for the kids, where all sorts of stage performances, fun games and other attractions can be enjoyed.
Apart from these, a wide array of main stage and roaming acts, extreme activities, food and beverage stalls and much more await fans on all three days of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.
Tickets are selling fast and those wishing to attend are advised to purchase their tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Tickets range from BD150 for all three days at the Main Grandstand to BD60 for three days at the University and Victory Grandstands. Three-day tickets for the Batelco Grandstand are BD120 apiece while tickets for the Turn One Grandstand are BD100.
Tickets to the 2014 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix are now available. They can be purchased at the BIC stands in Bahrain City Centre or Seef Mall; or on the official BIC page on Facebook; or by calling the BIC Hotline on +973-17-450000.
Special discounts on tickets are also available for children, senior citizens and those with special needs.
Children aged three to 12 years old can get tickets at 50 per cent off, while school students aged 13 to 17 can get a 25 per cent reduction. Further, senior citizens aged 60 and above and those with special needs can both purchase a ticket with a 25 per cent discount.