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 The
successful conclusion of the agreement has been perfectly timed with
the commencement of the construction of Bahrain Racing Circuit which
will be the most advanced facility of its kind in the world. The facility
includes a challenging Grand Prix Circuit which meets the requirements
for hosting Formula One cars. The development will also provide the
Middle East with an international standard venue for all other forms
of car and motorcycle racing as well as testing and a range of other
motoring activities. The Circuit will be operational 365 days a year.
Located in Sakhir, in the south of the country, the US$150 million Bahrain Racing Circuit will be operational in early 2004, and available to host a round of the 2004 FIA Formula One World Championship towards the end of the 2004.
The facility includes a challenging Grand Prix Circuit for Formula One cars and will also provide the Middle East with an international standard venue for all other forms of car and motorcycle racing as well as testing and a full range of other automotive activities. The Circuit will be operational 365 days a year.
The successful operation of Bahrain Racing Circuit is a national objective, led by HH the Crown Prince, Shaikh
Salman bin Hamad At Khalifa, a lifelong motor sport enthusiast and Honorary President of the Bahrain Motor Federation (BMF). The BMF is the oldest motor sports authority in the region, having been established in 1952. The BMF's
50th anniversary in 2002 is the perfect platform to set the scene for a new era of growth in local and regional motor sport. A range of motor sports activities are taking place between 2002 and 2004 to build up the local racing series.
The BMF is affiliated with the Federation Internationale de L'Automobile (FIA) and holds the international Sporting Powers for the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The BMF is the first and remains the only federation in the region to organize four main disciplines - rallying, karting, drag racing and autocross. It is also the first in the region to host a CIK accredited go-karting event - a 24 hour endurance race.
The BMF benefits from a high level of in-house expertise and experience including competing in and organization of many international
events around the world thus ensuring that the BMF has an excellent understanding of both technical and organizational requirements for motor sport events. It has implemented a large scale officials training programme for 2,000 volunteer motor sports officials in its preparation to organize major international events at Bahrain Racing Circuit.
Bahrain already hosts the Bahrain International Rally (part of the FIA Middle East Championship) and the new circuit will provide the catalyst for unprecedented growth of this sport.
The Bahrain Government has underwritten the development of Bahrain Racing Circuit and sees the Circuit and the events as one of the keys to growth in employment and new skills to further enhance the economy and firmly put Bahrain on the world map.
Successfully bringing Formula One to Bahrain has been the ultimate goal and more international events will follow. The World media attention will undoubtedly assist in the promotion of Bahrain as a growing tourist destination and regional centre for finance, commerce and professional services.
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