BIC launch leadup to F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2024

TDT | Manama                                                     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) officially launched yesterday the exciting lead-up to the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2024—an historic occasion set to celebrate the Kingdom of Bahrain’s landmark 20th anniversary in F1.

Fantastic plans for the highly anticipated motorsport and entertainment spectacle, scheduled to take place 29 February to 2 March, include a campaign commemorating “20 Years of a Modern Classic”, three days of non-stop racing, and loads of family fun and entertainment.

Details of the grand prix weekend were announced last night at the official public launch event, organised by BIC at The Avenues Bahrain. Speaking at the launch were Minister of Tourism Fatima bint Jaffer Al Sairafi, BIC Chief Executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, and Gulf Air Chief Executive Captain Waleed Al Alawi.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and McLaren F1 Team superstar Lando Norris also delivered video messages at the event, which was hosted by legendary F1 commentator David Croft along with local media personality Imran Al Aradi.

‘Extraordinary’

Tourism Minister praised F1’s incredible impact on Bahrain’s tourism sector. “Since 2004, our presence on the global sports tourism map has been solidified, backing initiatives to make Bahrain a preferred destination for sports tourism in the Middle East and beyond,”she said.

“The hosting of the Formula 1 event aligns with the objectives of Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030. “The impact of F1 on our tourism sector is nothing short of extraordinary. In 2022, we saw a remarkable attendance of 98,000 on all race days and 35,000 on the day of the race alone. In 2023, these numbers soared even higher, reaching 99,500 on total race days and 36,000 on the race day itself.

“Such grand events in Bahrain not only offer a firsthand experience of the Formula 1 race but also create an immersive environment for visitors to witness the spectacular success. “Beyond the adrenaline-pumping excitement, these events are a golden opportunity to showcase the seamless integration and continuous development of Bahrain’s tourism sector.

The array of tourist attractions, coupled with world-class facilities, reflects the nation’s commitment to providing an unforgettable experience for visitors.

“At the Ministry of Tourism, Formula 1 holds a special place in our priorities as one of the most important international tourism and entertainment events in Bahrain. This year, we’ve meticulously planned and coordinated with all stakeholders to accommodate the growing popularity of motorsports locally, regionally, and globally.”

20 years of F1

Meanwhile, Shaikh Salman explained the inspiration behind the slogan for this year’s grand prix: “20 Years of a Modern Classic”. The BIC chief commented: “The idea of a modern classic is to reflect the fact that we are a modern circuit but have had the chance to create 20 years of history in the Middle East, which we are really proud of.”