The Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) is in the final 30-day countdown to Race Day at the 2014 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix weekend. It will take place April 4-5-6 in Sakhir and 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 and will be marking the 10th anniversary celebrations of BIC in grand and spectacular fashion. BIC has just hosted 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 new season. Fans are now ready for the real deal and the anticipation continues to reach fever pitch.
BIC Chief Executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa commented: “The excitement builds, as we commence our count down to the 2014 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. 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. The weekend will see incredible racing action and plenty of celebration for the occasion.” A new lighting system will brighten up BIC’s 5.412-kilometre track and offers 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, the GP2 Series and the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East. GP2 is widely accepted as Formula One’s chief feeder series, will be staging the first round of its 2014 season at BIC and The Porsche GT3 Cup will be holding an exhibition round. There will be a wide array of entertainment activities off the race track catered to the whole family. This 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, April 5 of the 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 kids. 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 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. They are available at the BIC stands in Bahrain City Centre or Seef Mall. Special discounts on tickets are also available for children, senior citizens and those with special needs.
