An introduction to the Bahrain Grand Prix
The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix on 4 April 2004 was the first which took place in the Middle East. In September 2002, the Kingdom of Bahrain signed an agreement with Bernie Ecclestone to host a round of the Formula One World Championship from 2004 onwards. Since then, construction of the US$150 million Bahrain International Circuit at Sakhir began and boasts to be the most advanced F1 facility in the world.
Realising the dream of a state-of-the-art motor racing circuit became a national objective, led by HH the Crown Prince Shaik Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who himself is a motor sport enthusiast and the Honorary President of the Bahrain Motor Federation. Bahrainis are immensely proud to be hosting the Grand Prix and the track’s enhancement of the Kingdom's modern image. Today, the circuit attracts motor enthusiasts and visitors alike. Bahrain had to deal with fierce other regional competetors to stage the Grand Prix. The UEA, Lebanon and Egypt were all trying to become to host of the prestigious F1 Grand Prix.
In the year 2004 the first racing event took place and Michael Schumacher won the race. The second race in 2005 was won by Fernando Alonso and, after an exciting race-long battle with Schumacher, the Spanish driver became the Bahrain Grand Prix’s first repeat winner in 2006. The 2007 racing event was won by Felipe Massa from Brasil, who drove for Ferrari.
This circuit provides the Middle East with an international standard venue for all other forms of car and motorcycle racing, as well as a range of other motoring activities. Although the main focus of the circuit is motor racing, its start-of-the-art facilities are being used for other venues as well, such as conferences, concerts as well as be hired out for corporate events. The circuit is open 365 days a year and now attracts several other venues as well.