sport file
Bahrain ready for ‘UNIF1ED’ Grand Prix
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ahrain International Circuit (BIC) recently announced an exciting programme of events for the upcoming 2012 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. It is scheduled to take place April 20-22 as the fourth round of a 20-race calendar that makes up this year’s FIA F1 World Championship. Organisers revealed this year’s slogan for the race: ‘UNIF1ED - ONE NATION IN CELEBRATION’. This mantra reflects the unifying spirit of true F1 fans, who share a passion for the sport and who long to see the very best of motor racing take place in the Kingdom. The Chief Executive at BIC, Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, commented: “Sport
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brings people together, especially the truest and most dedicated of fans. Be it in football, tennis, golf or motor racing, there is something special about sport that makes it a great unifier. “We in Bahrain should feel extremely privileged to be part of an exclusive club of only a handful of countries who can say that they are a host of a Grand Prix and are a part of the FIA Formula One World Championship. Our race is a source of pride! “Based on the success of past Grands Prix, we are all together looking forward to staging yet another spectacular Formula One weekend. We are excited about making Bahrain proud and for the whole world to see that we are indeed One Nation in Celebration.” GP2, PORSCHE SUPERCUP AND SUPERCARS Just as in years past, the 2012 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix will boast a line-up of three of the very best international support series that will complement all the Formula One action. These supporting categories are headlined by the GP2 Series and Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. Also set to feature is the most popular circuit racing category to come out of the region, the WGA Supercars Championship Middle East.
GP2 is the chief feeder category to Formula One, and it is from here that half of the top flight’s current grid has graduated. GP2 will be staging its second round of the 2012 season in support of the Bahrain Grand Prix. There will also be the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup, which will be holding its opening round of the 2012 season. The Porsche Supercup is a favourite amongst motor racing fans worldwide and car enthusiasts in Bahrain alike. The championship is among the most popular in the world, with the large number of powerful Porsche 911 race cars battling each other side by side. Off the race track, there will be plenty of recreational activities for people of all ages throughout the three-day Grand Prix weekend. They will be located mainly at the Formula One Village behind the main grandstand, and all of them will contribute to the lively and engaging family friendly atmosphere here at Bahrain International Circuit. Tickets can be purchased in advabce online at www.bahraingp.com, or by calling the circuit’s hotline on +973-17-450000. They can also be purchased in Bahrain on the weekend of the race. All three-day ticket holders will have plenty of additional incentives that can be enjoyed throughout the Grand Prix weekend