MANAMA: His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander, on Sunday crowned the winner of this year’s 2014 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix champion Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes’ AMG Petronas team.
His Royal Highness also oversaw prizes given to runner up Nico Roseberg from the same team and third place finisher, Sahara Force India driver Sergio Perez.
His Royal Highness presented the awards to the drivers in the formal ceremony at the end of the race, the third of the Grand Prix season.
Looking back on this year’s race, His Royal Highness highlighted how the region’s first full night race was an exciting way to celebrate ten years of motorsport in the Middle East. He then reflected on how regional interest in motorsport has grown over the decade since Bahrain’s first Grand Prix.
Noting the positive impact of the Grand Prix on the economy and the networking opportunities it brings to the Kingdom, His Royal Highness stressed how the Grand Prix forms a vital pillar in Bahrain’s diverse economic strategy in support of His Majesty’s ongoing programme of economic reform.
His Royal Highness continued by highlighting the contribution of the local community in hosting a fitting celebration of the 10th anniversary of Formula One in the Kingdom. In addition, His Royal Highness extended his appreciation for the wide support the Bahrain Grand Prix has received from motorsport enthusiasts internationally.
During the three-day F1 event, His Royal Highness welcomed scores of guests from motorsport and further afield to celebrate the event. His Royal Highness also toured the circuit during preparations and extended greetings to members of the public.
His Royal Highness concluded by stressing how the Bahrain Grand Prix serves as an enormous asset for the Kingdom and continues to support the Kingdom’s role as a pioneer of motorsport in the region.